Alveolar maxillary hypoplasia

This code describes an underdeveloped upper jawbone, specifically the alveolar process, which is the part of the maxilla that contains the tooth sockets. This hypoplasia can lead to dental malocclusion, aesthetic concerns, and functional issues such as difficulty with chewing or speech. It indicates a congenital or developmental deficiency in the growth of this specific maxillary structure.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states alveolar maxillary hypoplasia. This typically occurs in patients presenting with an underdeveloped upper dental arch or midface deficiency. Supporting documentation includes dental records, orthodontic evaluations, imaging reports (e.g., panoramic X-rays, CT scans), and clinical notes detailing the specific hypoplasia of the alveolar maxilla.

• Differentiate from generalized maxillary hypoplasia (M26.70) or other specific maxillary deformities.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "alveolar" to justify this precise code.
• Consider sequencing with codes for associated dental malocclusions (e.g., K07.3- series) or other craniofacial anomalies if present.