1. Home
  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. K00–K95
  4. K00-K14
  5. Diseases of pulp and periapical tissues (K04)

Diseases of pulp and periapical tissues (K04)

The ICD-10 code K04 identifies diseases affecting the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the root apex, covering inflammation, degeneration, abscesses, cysts, and other conditions related to tooth pulp health. These codes are used to classify conditions such as pulpitis, necrosis, and periapical periodontitis for accurate diagnosis and treatment documentation.

This set includes specific codes for various stages and types of pulpitis: K04.01 for reversible pulpitis, which is inflammation that can be healed, and K04.02 for irreversible pulpitis, where the damage is permanent. Terms like "suppurative pulpitis" and "chronic hyperplastic pulpitis" relate back to K04.01. Necrosis of pulp, commonly called "mummified pulp," is coded under K04.1. Other codes cover pulp degeneration and abnormal hard tissue growth inside the pulp (K04.2 and K04.3). Conditions involving the periapical tissues, such as acute and chronic apical periodontitis (K04.4 and K04.5), and periapical abscesses with or without sinus tracts (K04.6 and K04.7) are also included. The ICD-10 code for radicular cyst is K04.8, referring to inflammatory cysts at the tooth root. When a specific diagnosis is unavailable, codes K04.90 or K04.99 classify unspecified or other diseases of the pulp and periapical tissues.

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Dental Pulp

A richly vascularized and innervated connective tissue of mesodermal origin, contained in the central cavity of a tooth and delimited by the dentin, and having formative, nutritive, sensory, and protective functions. (Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992)

Oral Fistula

An abnormal passage within the mouth communicating between two or more anatomical structures.

Periapical Abscess

Acute or chronic inflammation of tissues surrounding the apical portion of a tooth, associated with the collection of pus, resulting from infection following pulp infection through a carious lesion or as a result of an injury causing pulp necrosis. (Dorland, 27th ed)

Periodontal Cyst

An epithelium-lined sac containing fluid; usually found at the apex of a pulp-involved tooth. The lateral type occurs less frequently along the side of the root.

Pulpitis

Inflammation of the DENTAL PULP, usually due to bacterial infection in dental caries, tooth fracture, or other conditions causing exposure of the pulp to bacterial invasion. Chemical irritants, thermal factors, hyperemic changes, and other factors may also cause pulpitis.

Radicular Cyst

Slow-growing fluid-filled epithelial sac at the apex of a tooth with a nonvital pulp or defective root canal filling.