Dental caries (K02) ICD-10-CM
The K02 code range covers dental caries with 12 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 9 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2027, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- caries of dentine
- dental cavities
- early childhood caries
- pre-eruptive caries
- recurrent caries (dentino enamel junction) (enamel) (to the pulp)
- tooth decay
Codes in the K02 Range 12 codes · 9 billable
- K02 Dental cariesNon-billable
- K02.3 Arrested dental caries
- K02.5 Dental caries on pit and fissure surfaceNon-billable
- K02.51 Dental caries on pit and fissure surface limited to enamel
- K02.52 Dental caries on pit and fissure surface penetrating into dentin
- K02.53 Dental caries on pit and fissure surface penetrating into pulp
- K02.6 Dental caries on smooth surfaceNon-billable
- K02.61 Dental caries on smooth surface limited to enamel
- K02.62 Dental caries on smooth surface penetrating into dentin
- K02.63 Dental caries on smooth surface penetrating into pulp
- K02.7 Dental root caries
- K02.9 Dental caries, unspecified
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the K02 range.
Dental Caries
Localized destruction of the tooth surface initiated by decalcification of the enamel followed by enzymatic lysis of organic structures and leading to cavity formation. If left unchecked, the cavity may penetrate the enamel and dentin and reach the pulp.
About the K02 Code Range
Dental caries is tooth decay that begins in the enamel and can form a cavity reaching deeper into the tooth.
K02 separates arrested decay from decay on pit and fissure surfaces, smooth surfaces, and tooth roots. It also has a code for unspecified decay.
Pit and fissure codes K02.51 through K02.53 distinguish decay limited to enamel from decay reaching dentin or pulp. Smooth-surface codes K02.61 through K02.63 make the same distinction.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the K02 range?
Of the 12 codes in this range, 9 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the K02 range classify?
The range classifies dental caries. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
