D5282 — Removable unilateral partial denture — one-piece cast metal (maxillary, per quadrant)
A partial denture replaces some of the teeth in an arch and is held in place by the teeth that remain. D5282 is the version in a cast metal framework, for the upper jaw.
This is one of 13 closely related partial denture codes. The treatment is explained in full in the partial denture guide — this page is about what makes this particular code different.
The sections below cover the conditions built into the code, what it tends to cost, what a dental plan is likely to pay, and where the line falls between this code and the ones next to it.
What has to be true for D5282 to apply
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 D5282 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.
Counted — per quadrant — one of the four corners of the mouth. The fee you are quoted is for one corner, so ask how many are planned before comparing it with anything.
The nearby codes and how they differ
D5286 — Removable unilateral partial denture — one-piece flexible base (per quadrant): It specifies a flexible nylon-type base rather than a cast metal framework.
D5228 — Immediate mandibular partial denture — flexible base: It specifies a flexible nylon-type base rather than a cast metal framework.
D5227 — Immediate 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.
D5282 sits in a group of 13 codes in total; the remainder are linked at the foot of this page. A single word separates several of these codes, and a payer reads that word literally. If the record does not support D5282 specifically, the claim comes back — usually repriced to whichever neighbouring code the reviewer thinks was actually performed.
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 D5282
D5282 — what is it?
D5282 is shorthand for removable unilateral partial denture, one-piece cast metal, maxillary, per quadrant — the same five characters every practice and every insurer in the country uses for it.
How much does D5282 cost?
Typically $1,500–$3,500 before insurance, depending on local fees and the complexity of the individual case.
Will my plan pay for D5282?
Expect major prosthodontic handling — typically 50%. Submitting an estimate first turns that percentage into a number you can rely on.
Also known as: partial denture, removable partial, chrome denture, flexible denture, clasps.