Dental caries on smooth surface penetrating into pulp

This code signifies a carious lesion located on the smooth surface of a tooth that has progressed beyond the dentin and into the pulpal tissue. This indicates a deep carious process requiring significant intervention to prevent further infection and preserve tooth vitality.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states caries on a smooth surface with pulpal involvement, often indicated by symptoms such as spontaneous pain, prolonged sensitivity to temperature, or radiographic evidence of pulpal exposure. This code is appropriate for cases requiring endodontic treatment or extraction due to irreversible pulpitis caused by the carious lesion.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "smooth surface" and "penetrating into pulp" to differentiate from other caries codes.
• Do not use this code if the caries is on an occlusal, interproximal, or root surface; specific codes exist for those locations.
• Consider sequencing this code with codes for associated conditions like pulpitis (e.g., K04.0-K04.9) if documented.