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2025 ICD-10-CM code K04.02

Irreversible pulpitis: Inflammation of the dental pulp that is beyond the point of recovery.

Use K04.02 when the documentation clearly indicates that the pulpitis is irreversible. For reversible pulpitis, use K04.01. For other types of pulpitis, use other codes under K04.0.

Medical necessity for treatment of irreversible pulpitis is established by the presence of symptoms and clinical findings that confirm the diagnosis, as well as the need to alleviate pain, prevent further infection, and preserve or restore oral health.

Dentists or Endodontists diagnose and treat irreversible pulpitis.

In simple words: Irreversible pulpitis is a severe toothache caused by inflammation of the tooth's nerve.This means the nerve inside the tooth is badly damaged and can't be saved.The pain can be sharp, throbbing, or a dull ache, and it might hurt even without anything touching the tooth. Usually, the dentist will need to perform a root canal or remove the tooth.

Irreversible pulpitis is a severe inflammation of the dental pulp characterized by intense and often spontaneous pain. This condition arises when pulpal inflammation progresses beyond the point of reversible pulpitis, signifying that the pulp tissue is no longer viable and cannot heal. The damage is typically caused by bacterial infection resulting from dental caries, trauma, or repeated dental procedures.Symptoms can range from sharp, throbbing pain to a dull, constant ache, often exacerbated by hot or cold stimuli.Unlike reversible pulpitis, the pain associated with irreversible pulpitis may linger even after the stimulus is removed.Treatment typically involves root canal therapy or extraction of the affected tooth.

Example 1: A patient presents with spontaneous, lingering pain in a molar. Clinical examination reveals deep decay and thermal testing elicits a prolonged painful response, indicating irreversible pulpitis., Following a traumatic injury to a tooth, a patient experiences persistent sensitivity and pain, diagnosed as irreversible pulpitis due to pulpal damage., A patient with a history of repeated dental restorations on a single tooth reports severe, intermittent pain.Diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis is made due to chronic inflammation from repeated procedures.

Documentation should include the chief complaint, history of the present illness, clinical findings (e.g., presence of decay, tooth mobility, tenderness to percussion or palpation), results of diagnostic tests (e.g. radiographic findings, thermal and electric pulp testing), and treatment plan.

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