Irreversible pulpitis

This code represents a severe, irreversible inflammation of the dental pulp, characterized by persistent pain that often lingers after the stimulus is removed. The pulp tissue is significantly damaged and cannot heal, necessitating endodontic treatment or extraction.

Apply this code when the patient presents with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis, such as spontaneous, throbbing pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, or pain that wakes them at night. Documentation should clearly state a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis, often supported by clinical examination findings like a positive pulp vitality test (e.g., electric pulp test, cold test) with lingering pain, or radiographic evidence of periapical pathology.

• Differentiate from reversible pulpitis (K04.01), which involves inflammation that can resolve with treatment of the cause.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "irreversible" to support this specific code.
• Consider sequencing with codes for associated conditions, such as dental caries (K02.-) if it is the etiology.