2025 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K02

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Dental caries

  • K02 should not be used for reimbursement purposes as there are multiple codes below it that contain a greater level of detail.
  • The 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM K02 became effective on October 1, 2024.
  • This is the American ICD-10-CM version of K02 – other international versions of ICD-10 K02 may differ.

Includes

  • caries of dentine
  • dental cavities
  • early childhood caries
  • pre-eruptive caries
  • recurrent caries (dentino enamel junction) (enamel) (to the pulp)
  • tooth decay

The following code(s) above K02 contain annotation back-references

 that may be applicable to K02:

  • K00-K95  Diseases of the digestive system

Clinical Information

  • A disorder characterized by the decay of a tooth, in which it becomes softened, discolored and/or porous.
  • Localized destruction of calcified tissue initiated on the tooth surface by decalcification of the enamel of the teeth, followed by enzymatic lysis of organic structures, leading to cavity formation that, if left untreated penetrates the enamel and dentin and may reach the pulp.
  • Localized destruction of the tooth surface initiated by decalcification of the enamel followed by enzymatic lysis of organic structures and leading to cavity formation. If left unchecked, the cavity may penetrate the enamel and dentin and reach the pulp. The three most prominent theories used to explain the etiology of the disease are that acids produced by bacteria lead to decalcification; that micro-organisms destroy the enamel protein; or that keratolytic micro-organisms produce chelates that lead to decalcification.
  • The decay of a tooth, in which it becomes softened, discolored, and/or porous.
  • You call it a cavity. Your dentist calls it tooth decay or dental caries. They’re all names for a hole in your tooth. The cause of tooth decay is plaque, a sticky substance in your mouth made up mostly of germs. Tooth decay starts in the outer layer, called the enamel. Without a filling, the decay can get deep into the tooth and its nerves and cause a toothache or abscess. To help prevent cavities
    • brush your teeth every day with a fluoride toothpaste
    • clean between your teeth every day with floss or another type of between-the-teeth cleaner
    • snack smart – limit sugary snacks
    • see your dentist or oral health professional regularly

Code History

  • 2016 (effective 10/1/2015): New code (first year of non-draft ICD-10-CM)
  • 2017 (effective 10/1/2016): No change
  • 2018 (effective 10/1/2017): No change
  • 2019 (effective 10/1/2018): No change
  • 2020 (effective 10/1/2019): No change
  • 2021 (effective 10/1/2020): No change
  • 2022 (effective 10/1/2021): No change
  • 2023 (effective 10/1/2022): No change
  • 2024 (effective 10/1/2023): No change
  • 2025 (effective 10/1/2024): No change

Code annotations containing back-references to K02:

  • Type 2 Excludes: K03
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