D5865 — Overdenture — complete, on natural teeth (lower)
D5865 is the complete lower overdenture, seated over retained natural teeth.
It is one of four codes covering overdenture on natural teeth. For the procedure itself rather than the code, see the overdenture on natural teeth guide; for the code, read on.
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 D5865 to apply
Arch — lower. The bone is denser, but there is far less surface area to support anything removable and the nerve running through the jaw limits how aggressive surgery can be.
Not to be confused with
D5864 — Overdenture — partial maxillary: It is the upper-jaw version.
D5866 — Overdenture — partial, mandibular: It is the partial lower overdenture.
D5863 — Overdenture — complete, on natural teeth (upper): It is the upper-jaw version.
Those three codes and D5865 are the whole group — nothing else describes this procedure. Two of these codes on one estimate is not necessarily an error, but it is always worth asking what each line is for.
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.
| Code | Procedure |
|---|---|
| D5865 | Overdenture — complete, on natural teeth (lower) — this page |
| D5863 | Overdenture — complete, on natural teeth (upper) |
| D5864 | Overdenture — partial maxillary |
| D5866 | Overdenture — partial, mandibular |
Questions about D5865
What is D5865 on my dental bill?
On a claim, D5865 tells the insurer that what was performed was overdenture, complete, on natural teeth, lower.
How much does D5865 cost?
Usually somewhere in $1,800–$4,000 as a gross fee. The code fixes what was done, not what it costs, so ask for the practice's own figure in writing.
How do dental plans handle D5865?
Yes on most policies, treated as major prosthodontic work at typically 50%. A waiting period on a new policy is the commonest reason it is not.
What is the difference between D5865 and D5864?
D5864 is overdenture, partial maxillary: it is the upper-jaw version. Because that is the only difference, a reviewer who disagrees with it simply reprices the claim to D5864 rather than refusing it.
Also known as: overdenture, tooth-supported denture, retained roots, bone preservation.