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K08.89
ICD-10-CM
Tooth Pain

Find information on tooth pain diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes (K08.8), dental pain management, odontalgia symptoms, and differential diagnosis. Learn about clinical documentation best practices for toothaches, pulpalgia, periodontal abscess, cracked tooth syndrome, and temporomandibular disorders TMD. Explore resources for healthcare professionals regarding coding for dental procedures, dental charting, and patient education related to oral health and tooth pain causes.

Also known as

Dental Pain
Odontalgia

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Pain originating from a tooth or surrounding structures.
  • Clinical Signs : Sensitivity, throbbing, swelling, visible decay, gum inflammation, difficulty chewing.
  • Common Settings : Dental clinics, emergency rooms, urgent care centers.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC K08.89 Coding
K08

Disorders of tooth development and eruption

Includes abnormalities in tooth formation, eruption, and shedding.

K00-K07

Diseases of hard tissues of teeth

Covers conditions affecting enamel, dentin, and cementum, often causing pain.

K04

Dental caries

Cavities and decay can cause tooth sensitivity and pain.

K10

Other diseases of pulp and periapical tissues

Includes pulpitis and apical periodontitis, common causes of toothache.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the tooth pain due to trauma?

  • Yes

    Is there a fracture?

  • No

    Is it due to eruption?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Tooth Pain
Dental Caries
Periapical Abscess

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Tooth pain location, onset, character
  • Aggravating/relieving factors documented
  • Associated symptoms (e.g., swelling, fever)
  • Clinical findings (e.g., caries, mobility)
  • Diagnosis code (e.g., ICD-10 K08.8)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Tooth Pain

    Coding K08.8 (Toothache, unspecified) lacks specificity for accurate reimbursement and quality reporting. CDI should query for detail.

  • Dental vs. Medical Necessity

    Medical necessity audits may deny claims for dental-related tooth pain if not linked to a medical condition. Clear documentation is crucial.

  • Symptom vs. Diagnosis Coding

    Coding tooth pain as a symptom without underlying diagnosis risks claim denial. CDI must clarify definitive diagnosis for accurate coding.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding (K08.x) for tooth pain diagnoses.
  • Precise documentation of pain location, type, and onset for CDI.
  • Regular chart reviews for compliant tooth pain coding and billing.
  • Use SNODENT codes for detailed tooth-specific documentation.
  • Follow HIPAA guidelines for patient privacy in tooth pain records.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify pain location: localized or referred?
  • Assess onset, duration, character of pain
  • Check for visible caries, fractures, swelling
  • Palpate for tenderness, mobility, percussion
  • Consider pulp vitality testing if indicated

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Tooth Pain: Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • Keywords: dental billing, ICD-10 K08.8, CPT D0120, dental coding, pain management coding, quality reporting, healthcare analytics
  • Impact 1: Accurate coding (K08.8) maximizes reimbursement for diagnostic services.
  • Impact 2: Incorrect pain coding can lower quality scores and affect hospital rankings.
  • Impact 3: Proper documentation supports medical necessity and reduces audit risks.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code specific tooth, use K08.x
  • Document pain details, onset, location
  • Consider pulpitis, abscess codes
  • Check medical necessity for radiographs
  • Rule out systemic causes, document

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with chief complaint of tooth pain, toothache, dental pain, or odontalgia.  Onset, duration, location, character, aggravating and alleviating factors of the tooth pain were documented.  Pain quality described as sharp, dull, throbbing, aching, constant, or intermittent.  Patient reports associated symptoms including sensitivity to hot or cold, sweet or sour, chewing or biting pressure, as well as possible swelling, gum pain, facial pain, headache, jaw pain, ear pain, or fever.  Clinical examination included visual inspection, palpation, percussion, and mobility testing of the affected tooth and surrounding tissues.  Findings may include caries, fracture, abscess, periodontal disease, inflammation, or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).  Radiographic imaging, such as dental x-rays or panoramic radiographs, may be obtained for further evaluation.  Diagnosis of dental caries, pulpitis, periapical abscess, periodontal abscess, cracked tooth syndrome, or impacted tooth was considered.  Treatment plan discussed with patient and may include pain management with analgesics such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, dental restoration, root canal therapy, extraction, antibiotics, referral to specialist such as endodontist, periodontist, or oral surgeon, or follow-up care as needed.  Patient education provided regarding oral hygiene, dietary recommendations, and prevention of future dental problems.  Patient expressed understanding of the diagnosis, treatment plan, and potential risks and benefits.