Sameer Puri D.D.S. ADA’s Council on Dental Benefit Programs Broadens the Definition of Porcelain/ceramics in the CDT Code
New nomenclature applies to all porcelain/ceramic CDT codes including D2740 for crowns and
codes for inlays/onlays
ST. PAUL, Minn. – (June 12, 2012) – In response to requests from 3M ESPE and the dental
community, the ADA will broaden its definition of porcelain/ceramic materials in its CDT Code
for insurance reimbursement, allowing 3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ Ultimate Restorative to be
classified as a porcelain/ceramic. The change will be effective January 1, 2013, making it
possible for dentists who use the material to easily file for insurance reimbursement, including
using CDT code D2740 for crowns.
Lava Ultimate restorative is an innovative new material formulated from a blend of
approximately 80 percent nanoceramic particles embedded in a highly-cured resin matrix using a
proprietary 3M manufacturing process. The material is available for chairside milling using
CEREC® or E4D® systems or can be ordered as a finished restoration from Authorized Lava
Milling Centers, Jensen Milling Centers and Straumann CARES® Digital Solutions.
At the time the material was launched, the ADA’s CDT Code nomenclature did not yet reflect
the advances in material science that Lava Ultimate restorative represents, resulting in challenges
with selecting the proper CDT code for insurance reimbursement. However, following a formal
request from 3M ESPE, the ADA has now broadened the material definition of indirect
porcelain/ceramic restorations. With this change, Lava Ultimate restorative will fall under any
CDT code defined for ceramics, allowing for the same rate of reimbursement as other ceramic
materials. The new CDT Code definition reads:
Porcelain/ceramic
Refers to the pressed, fired, polished or milled materials containing predominantly inorganic
refractory compounds — including porcelains, glasses, ceramics and glass-ceramics.
"By broadening the definition of porcelain/ceramics in the CDT Code, the ADA's Council on
Dental Benefits is making the benefits of advanced material science accessible to more patients,”
said John Stefanick, director of industry & professional relations, 3M ESPE. “This CDT Code
change will be welcomed by many dentists.”
The streamlined insurance reimbursement enabled by the revised definition of glass ceramics in
the nomenclature of the CDT Code will make it even easier for dentists to take advantage of
Lava Ultimate restorative’s unique functionality, providing restorations that are strong as well as
kind to opposing dentition. The restorations can be repaired intraorally if necessary, and are
backed by a 10-year warranty from 3M ESPE. With the ability to code Lava Ultimate restorative
like other porcelain/ ceramic materials for insurance reimbursement, now even more dentists and
patients can experience the outstanding qualities of this material.
For more information about Lava Ultimate Restorative and how it will fit under the
porcelain/ceramic codes in the CDT code, visit www.3mespe.com/LavaUltimate.
