ICD-10 Code K04.90 – Unspecified diseases of pulp and periapical tissues (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K04.90 – Unspecified diseases of pulp and periapical tissues
What it is
K04.90 identifies a disorder affecting the dental pulp or tissues around the tooth root when the specific condition is not documented. Use it when the record confirms a pulp or periapical problem but does not name a more exact diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings may include tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or periapical tenderness, but the chart must support a pulp or periapical disease rather than a general dental complaint.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents an unspecified pulp or periapical disease and no further detail is available. It also fits when the note says the tooth source is dental, but the exact pulp or periapical diagnosis is not stated. Check documentation if endodontic terms are unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use K04.90 if the record identifies a more specific pulp or periapical diagnosis, such as a named abscess, necrosis, or other defined condition. Do not code it for routine dental pain without documentation of pulp or periapical disease.
Coding tip
Query for the exact endodontic diagnosis whenever the note only says “tooth pain” or “dental infection.”