ICD-10 Code K05.3 – Chronic Periodontitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K05.3 – Chronic periodontitis
What it is
K05.3 identifies chronic periodontitis, a long-term inflammatory disease affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth. It is used when periodontal destruction is documented and the condition is not described as acute.
Clinical signs
Common findings include gingival inflammation, periodontal pocketing, attachment loss, and alveolar bone loss. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the specific severity and extent.
When to use this code
Use K05.3 when the record clearly documents chronic periodontitis, chronic periodontal disease, or similar wording with supporting periodontal findings. It is appropriate for outpatient, dental, and medical encounters when the diagnosis is established. If the note only mentions gingivitis or unspecified gum disease, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute periodontal infection, gingivitis without periodontal involvement, or nonspecific oral inflammation. If the diagnosis is unclear or mixed, check documentation before assigning K05.3.
Coding tip
Assign K05.3 only when the provider documents chronic periodontitis; do not infer it from routine dental plaque or bleeding gums alone.