D5983 — Radiation carrier
D5983 is the radiation carrier that positions radioactive material precisely against the tissue being treated.
This is one of 14 closely related maxillofacial appliance codes. The treatment is explained in full in the maxillofacial appliance guide — this page is about what makes this particular code different.
What the number specifies, what it costs, what your plan is likely to do with it, and the named differences between it and the codes around it — in that order.
The nearby codes and how they differ
D5982 — Surgical stent: It is the surgical stent that holds a graft or a dressing in position while the site heals.
D5984 — Radiation shield: It is the shield that keeps radiation off healthy tissue during treatment.
D5985 — Radiation cone locator: It is the cone locator that reproduces the same beam position at every radiotherapy appointment.
D5986 — Fluoride gel carrier: It is the custom tray that holds fluoride gel against the teeth, made for patients at very high decay risk after radiotherapy.
D5983 sits in a group of 14 codes in total; the remainder are linked at the foot of this page. If an estimate lists D5983 and the treatment that follows matches a neighbouring code instead, the office has to resubmit — which delays the payment rather than increasing it.
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 D5983
D5983 — what is it?
On a claim, D5983 tells the insurer that what was performed was radiation carrier.
How much does D5983 cost?
Between $500–$1,500 in most practices — and that is the figure before any benefit is applied, not what you would pay at the desk.
Does dental insurance cover D5983?
Usually yes, as medical / maxillofacial treatment at variable — but coverage turns on your own policy, its annual maximum and any waiting period.
What is the difference between D5983 and D5982?
D5982 is surgical stent: it is the surgical stent that holds a graft or a dressing in position while the site heals. One does not substitute for the other; if both are listed, ask what each appointment is actually for.
Also known as: radiation carrier, fluoride tray, surgical stent, speech aid, feeding appliance.