What is the ICD-10-CM code for a tooth infection (dental abscess)?

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ICD-10-CM Coding for Tooth Infection

I cannot provide ICD-10-CM codes for tooth infections because the evidence provided does not contain any information about diagnostic coding systems or ICD-10-CM codes for dental conditions.

What the Evidence Actually Addresses

The provided studies focus exclusively on:

  • Infection control procedures in dental settings, including handling of specimens and equipment 1
  • Clinical management of dental infections, including surgical drainage and antibiotic selection 1, 2, 3
  • Treatment protocols for specific conditions like apical periodontitis and dental abscesses 1, 2
  • Epidemiological patterns of odontogenic infections in clinical practice 4

Why This Question Cannot Be Answered from This Evidence

None of the guidelines, drug labels, or research studies provided discuss:

  • ICD-10-CM diagnostic codes
  • Medical billing or coding systems
  • Diagnostic classification systems for dental conditions

The single reference to "ICD-10 code" in the evidence 4 mentions that researchers used an ICD-10 code to identify patients in a retrospective study, but does not specify which code or provide coding guidance.

What You Need Instead

To obtain accurate ICD-10-CM codes for tooth infections, you should consult:

  • The official ICD-10-CM coding manual
  • Your facility's coding department
  • Professional coding resources specific to dental diagnoses

Common dental infection codes typically fall under the K04 series (diseases of pulp and periapical tissues) or K05 series (gingivitis and periodontal diseases), but I cannot provide specific codes without appropriate coding references.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Management of Dental Infections

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2026

Guideline

Amoxicillin Dosage for Dental Infections

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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