ICD-10 Code K04.9 – Other and unspecified diseases of pulp and periapical tissues (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K04.9 – Other and unspecified diseases of pulp and periapical tissues
What it is
K04.9 identifies a disease of the tooth pulp or tissues around the root tip when the exact type is not specified. Use it for periapical or pulpal pathology that is documented but not named more precisely.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include tooth pain, tenderness, swelling, or radiographic evidence of pulpal or periapical disease, but the record must support a nonspecific diagnosis.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents an unspecified pulp or periapical disorder and no more specific ICD-10 code is supported. It is appropriate when the note confirms disease of the pulp or periapical tissues, but details are incomplete. Check documentation if the condition could be coded more specifically.
Do not use for
Do not use K04.9 when the record identifies a specific pulp or periapical diagnosis, such as necrosis, abscess, or other named conditions. Avoid it for normal dental findings or symptoms without a documented disease.
Coding tip
Choose K04.9 only after confirming the provider did not document a more specific pulpal or periapical diagnosis.