Complete loss of teeth due to caries, class III

This code signifies the complete absence of all natural teeth in an arch (edentulism) where the primary etiology is extensive dental decay. It specifically denotes a Class III relationship, indicating a mesial occlusion of the mandibular arch relative to the maxillary arch. This condition often results from long-standing, untreated dental caries leading to tooth extraction or loss.

Use this code when a patient presents with complete edentulism directly attributed to severe and widespread dental caries, and the clinical assessment confirms a Class III occlusal relationship. Documentation should clearly state the cause of tooth loss as caries and specify the Class III malocclusion. This code is appropriate for patients requiring full dentures or other prosthetic replacements due to this specific etiology.

• Ensure documentation explicitly links the complete tooth loss to dental caries, not other causes like periodontal disease or trauma.
• Verify the Class III occlusal relationship is documented by the dentist or oral surgeon.
• Do not use this code if the edentulism is partial or if the cause is not definitively caries.