The short version
# D2940 Dental Code: Placement of an Interim Direct Restoration
D2940 reports placement of restorative material as an interim direct restoration. CDT 2025 broadened this code and deleted D2941, so D2940 now covers interim direct restorations without limiting the material, method, or dentition. The service isn't a definitive filling and isn't only pain relief. Payers often include it in same-day definitive treatment.
- Bill D2940 when the provider places a direct restorative material intended to serve on an interim basis.
- CDT 2025 revised D2940 and deleted D2941. D2940 now covers interim direct restorations in primary or permanent dentition.
- D9110 reports palliative treatment of dental pain without a definitive procedure. D2940 requires placement of restorative material.
- A public Delta plan allows D2940 once per tooth per provider every six months when definitive treatment isn't done the same day.
- That plan includes the D2940 fee in any same-day definitive treatment.
- In a worked claim, a $180 fee becomes a $120 allowable. The plan pays $96 at 80%, the patient owes $24, and the office adjusts $60.
What is D2940?
D2940 is the current code for placing an interim direct restoration. The ADA says the 2025 revision allows any restorative material and any placement method when the provider acts within the applicable scope of licensure. The restoration protects or stabilizes the tooth until the planned next stage.
| Fact | D2940 |
|---|---|
| CDT category | Restorative |
| Unit | Per tooth |
| Duration | Interim, not definitive |
| Material | Any qualifying direct restorative material |
| Public fee references | Oregon Medicaid: $70.43; Washington Medicaid: $89.05 or $76.33 by program in 2025 |
When do you bill D2940?
Use D2940 when an interim direct restoration is actually placed.
- Record why definitive restoration is deferred.
- Describe caries removal or other preparation completed.
- Name the direct material and surfaces covered.
- State the follow-up and definitive-care plan.
D2940 vs D9110 and a definitive restoration
The delivered procedure separates the codes.
| D9110 | D2940 | Definitive restoration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main service | Palliative pain treatment | Interim direct material placement | Final direct restoration |
| Material required | Not necessarily | Yes | Yes |
| Treatment stage | Symptom management | Temporary stabilization | Completed restorative care |
| Main record | Pain and palliative action | Tooth, material, and interim plan | Surfaces, preparation, and final material |
What does insurance actually do with D2940?
A published Delta California plan allows D2940 once per tooth per provider in six months when definitive treatment isn't completed that day. It includes D2940 in the definitive procedure's fee when both occur on the same date.
- Office fee: $180
- Contracted allowable: $120
- Contractual adjustment: $60
- Plan payment at 80%: $96
- Patient balance: $24
Why does D2940 get denied?
- Definitive treatment was completed on the same tooth that day.
- The tooth history doesn't clear the payer's D2940 frequency.
- The note describes only medication or pain relief, not placement of restorative material.
- Tooth number, surfaces, or material are missing.
What documentation gets D2940 paid?
- Record the tooth and diagnosis.
- State why an interim restoration is needed.
- Describe preparation and direct material placement.
- Explain why definitive treatment is deferred.
- Document the planned follow-up.
- Check prior D2940 and same-day restorative lines.
Common questions about D2940
Is D2941 still valid?
No. The ADA says D2941 was deleted effective January 1, 2025. Use the current code that matches the procedure delivered, and don't submit the deleted line from an old practice-management favorite. Update templates and document the tooth, material, purpose, and next treatment.
Can D2940 be billed on a permanent tooth?
Yes. The current procedure isn't restricted to primary teeth. D2940 can apply when an interim direct restoration is clinically appropriate on a permanent tooth. The note still needs the tooth, surfaces, diagnosis, material, temporary purpose, and expected next definitive treatment.
Can D2940 and D9110 be billed together?
Only report distinct delivered services. Payers may include palliative treatment in another same-day procedure, and duplicative documentation won't support two lines. The record must separate the pain-relief treatment from the interim restoration and show why both were necessary that day.
Is D2940 a temporary filling?
It's an interim direct restoration. Use that clinical term and document the material, tooth, purpose, and planned next treatment. Don't describe it only as a temporary filling, because the claim still needs to show the distinct procedure completed and why definitive treatment was deferred.
Track the planned definitive treatment
Before filing, match the tooth, material, interim reason, and definitive-care plan.
Sources
- ADA News, D2940 among six CDT codes to know
- ADA News, 2025 restoration code changes
- ADA, Code Maintenance Committee action report
- ADA Dental Quality Alliance, 2026 pediatric measures guide
- Delta Dental, California D2940 limitations
- Washington Medicaid, July 2025 dental fee schedule
- Oregon Medicaid, June 2025 fee schedule
- ADA, frequently asked questions regarding dental codes
CDT codes and nomenclature are copyright © American Dental Association. This guide explains the code in plain language; the current CDT manual is the authoritative source.
