Find comprehensive information on periodontitis diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 codes), treatment, and healthcare guidelines. Learn about the different stages of periodontal disease, from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, and explore resources for accurate periodontal charting and diagnosis codes. This resource covers the essential aspects of periodontitis for healthcare professionals, including signs, symptoms, and best practices for clinical documentation and coding.
Also known as
Chronic periodontitis
Inflammation of periodontal tissues, progressive loss of alveolar bone.
Aggressive periodontitis
Rapid periodontal destruction, familial aggregation possible.
Necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis
Severe inflammation and necrosis of gingiva and periodontal ligament.
Periodontosis
Localized bone loss without preceding gingivitis or inflammation.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the periodontitis localized?
Yes
Generalized or molar-incisor pattern?
No
Is it generalized?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Gum inflammation and bone loss |
| Gingivitis |
| Peri-implantitis |
Coding periodontitis without specifying localized, generalized, or stage/grade creates audit risks and lower reimbursement.
Failing to document and code periodontitis stage and grade leads to inaccurate severity reflection and compliance issues.
Misdiagnosis between gingivitis and periodontitis impacts treatment planning, coding accuracy, and claim validity.
Patient presents with chief complaint of bleeding gums, which they report has been ongoing for several months. Clinical examination reveals generalized gingival inflammation, erythema, and edema. Probing depths range from 4-6mm with localized areas of 7mm in the maxillary molar regions. Horizontal bone loss is evident on radiographic imaging. Diagnosis of generalized moderate to severe periodontitis is made, consistent with the 2017 AAP classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions. Calculus deposits are noted, and the patient reports a history of inconsistent oral hygiene. Medical history is significant for controlled hypertension. Treatment plan includes scaling and root planing, oral hygiene instruction emphasizing proper brushing and flossing techniques, and prescription for chlorhexidine gluconate rinse. Patient education regarding the link between periodontal disease and systemic health, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk, was provided. Patient will be reevaluated in four weeks to assess treatment response and determine the need for further periodontal therapy, potentially including localized periodontal surgery. Current Dental Terminology codes for D4341 (scaling and root planing, four or more teeth per quadrant) and D1330 (oral hygiene instructions) are applicable. Diagnosis codes ICD-10 K05.20 (Chronic periodontitis, localized) and K05.30 (Chronic periodontitis, generalized) are appropriate based on clinical findings.