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 2026, 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.
Dental Caries Activity Tests
Diagnostic tests conducted in order to measure the increment of active DENTAL CARIES over a period of time.
Dental Caries Susceptibility
The predisposition to tooth decay (DENTAL CARIES).
Root Caries
Dental caries involving the tooth root, cementum, or cervical area of the tooth.
About the K02 Code Range
ICD-10 code K02 covers various forms of dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay, and is used to specify the location and severity of these cavities. This set includes codes for arrested caries, caries on pit and fissure surfaces, smooth surfaces, root caries, and unspecified dental caries.
This section helps coders and healthcare providers accurately document dental decay by distinguishing between conditions like K02.3 Arrested dental caries, which refers to tooth decay that has stopped progressing, and K02.5 series, which identify caries located on the pits and fissures of teeth. For example, K02.51 indicates decay limited to enamel, while K02.52 and K02.53 describe deeper cavities penetrating dentin or pulp respectively. Similarly, codes from K02.6 address decay on smooth tooth surfaces with similar distinctions for severity, and K02.7 specifies root caries, including terms like “cementum caries” or “root surface origin.” The broad K02.9 unspecified code covers dental caries not otherwise specified, helping capture cases with uncertain or complex presentations. Using these specific ICD-10 codes for dental caries ensures precise coding aligned with categories such as "pit and fissure caries," "smooth surface caries," or "root surface caries," facilitating targeted treatment planning and documentation.
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, 2025 through September 30, 2026. 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 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
