ICD-10 Codes for Receding Gums, a Geriatric Dental Problem

ICD-10 Codes for Receding Gums, a Geriatric Dental Problem Summary – The blog discusses causes, symptoms and ICD-10 codes for receding gums –a common dental problem in older adults.

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Maintaining good oral hygiene is an important factor impacting older adults’ overall health and quality of life. Inadequate dental nutrition, poor dental care or eating habits, general wear and tear of teeth, use of medications and other problems can cause severe oral health problems in older people. Receding gums is a common geriatric dental problem that occurs when the gums recede or wear away, exposing the pink tissue that covers the root of the teeth. When the gums recede, gaps can form between the gum and tooth, allowing disease-causing bacteria to build up. If left untreated, the condition can affect oral health causing tooth loss. Medical billing and coding for geriatric dental problems can be challenging. Dental billing companies are up to date with medical codes and payer guidelines and can help dental offices ensure accurate claim submission.

Reports suggest that about 88 percent of people above 65 years have a receding gum in at least one tooth. Several factors like periodontal or gum disease, poor oral hygiene, aggressive brushing over the long term, hardened plaque buildup (tartar), use of any tobacco product, diabetes, crooked teeth, bridges or partial dentures (that no longer fit), use of medications (that cause dry mouth), can cause the gums to recede. The condition may not display any specific symptoms at an early stage.

However, as the condition progresses, patients may experience such as bad breath, loose and exposed tooth roots, bleeding after brushing or flossing, pain and swelling in gums and changing appearance of tooth. Treatment for this condition involves a combination of medications and other procedures like scaling and root planing and composite restoration. In extreme cases, surgical options like flap surgery and grafting may be recommended.

ICD-10 Codes for Receding Gums • • • • • • • • • • •

K06.0 Gingival recession K06.01 Gingival recession, localized K06.010 Localized gingival recession, unspecified K06.011 Localized gingival recession, minimal K06.012 Localized gingival recession, moderate K06.013 Localized gingival recession, severe K06.02 Gingival recession, generalized K06.020 Generalized gingival recession, unspecified K06.021 Generalized gingival recession, minimal K06.022 Generalized gingival recession, moderate K06.023 Generalized gingival recession, severe

Good dental habits like brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing every day and getting professional dental cleanings can protect long-term oral health. Medical billing and coding for dental disorders can be complex. Relying on dental billing services offered by AAPC-certified coding specialists can help with accurate and timely billing and claim submission.

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