ICD-10 Code K08.43 – Partial loss of teeth due to caries (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K08.43 – Partial loss of teeth due to caries
What it is
K08.43 identifies partial loss of teeth caused by dental caries. Use it when tooth structure or teeth have been lost because decay progressed enough to result in missing portions or teeth.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings include visible decay, broken-down crowns, missing tooth structure, or extracted teeth attributed to caries rather than trauma or periodontal disease.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record clearly states that partial tooth loss is due to caries. It fits dental encounters documenting decay-related tooth loss, including cases where the provider links the missing teeth to carious destruction.
Code only when the cause is specified as caries. If the note says tooth loss is due to another condition or does not identify the reason, check documentation before assigning K08.43.
Do not use for
Do not use K08.43 for complete edentulism, tooth loss from trauma, periodontal disease, congenital absence, or unspecified dental loss. Check documentation if the cause of loss is unclear.
Coding tip
Look for an explicit provider statement linking the partial tooth loss to caries before coding K08.43.