D5223 — Immediate maxillary partial denture — cast metal framework
A partial denture replaces some of the teeth in an arch and is held in place by the teeth that remain. D5223 is the immediate version in a cast metal framework, for the upper jaw.
13 codes describe partial denture, and this is one of them. What separates it from the other twelve is the subject of this page; the partial denture guide covers the treatment itself.
This page sets out the conditions the code carries, what practices charge for it, how a plan is likely to assess it, and the named difference between it and each of its neighbours.
The specifics of D5223
Material — a cast metal framework. A cast-framework partial is built around a thin, rigid metal skeleton — cobalt chromium, or occasionally gold — with acrylic and teeth added to it. Rigidity is the entire point: it spreads chewing load onto the remaining teeth through precisely fitted rests rather than pressing it into the gum, which both feels more stable and protects the ridge from resorbing. It is thinner and considerably stronger than acrylic, and it costs and lasts roughly twice as much. The material is part of the code rather than a choice made afterwards, so D5223 is only the right code if that is what was actually used.
Arch — upper. The palate provides broad support for anything removable, but the sinuses sit directly above the back teeth, which constrains surgical work.
Status — interim, not definitive. It is built to function for a limited period while something else is planned or healing, and many plans fold its fee into the definitive restoration if that follows within a few months.
D5223 against the codes beside it
D5224 — Immediate mandibular partial denture — cast metal framework: It is the lower-jaw version.
D5221 — Immediate upper partial denture (resin base): It specifies an acrylic resin base rather than a cast metal framework.
D5225 — Maxillary partial denture — flexible base: It specifies a flexible nylon-type base rather than a cast metal framework.
D5226 — Mandibular partial denture — flexible base: It specifies a flexible nylon-type base rather than a cast metal framework.
D5223 sits in a group of 13 codes in total; the remainder are linked at the foot of this page. None of these are interchangeable, even though they sound as though they might be. Checking that the code on your estimate is the one that matches the planned treatment takes a minute and prevents most billing surprises.
Every code in this group
These codes describe the same broad procedure and differ in one respect each. Each has its own page with its own fee range and coverage notes.
Questions about D5223
What does dental code D5223 mean?
It is the entry for immediate maxillary partial denture, cast metal framework. A practice cannot use it for anything broader than that, which is what makes the code useful to you.
Is D5223 expensive?
Expect $1,500–$3,500. Ask for the number in writing, because the code carries no fee of its own and every practice sets its own.
Will my plan pay for D5223?
In most cases yes, at the major prosthodontic rate: typically 50%. The annual maximum is what usually decides how much of that you actually see.
Also known as: partial denture, removable partial, chrome denture, flexible denture, clasps.