Chronic apical periodontitis

This code represents a persistent inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding the apex of a tooth root, typically caused by bacterial infection from a necrotic pulp. It is characterized by a chronic, often asymptomatic, inflammatory response within the periapical bone and periodontal ligament.

Use this code for documented cases of long-standing inflammation at the tooth apex, often identified radiographically by a periapical radiolucency. Supporting documentation includes dental records noting pulpal necrosis, periapical pathology, and a history consistent with chronic infection.

• Differentiate from acute apical periodontitis (522.4), which presents with more severe symptoms.
• Ensure documentation specifies "chronic" to support this code; otherwise, consider unspecified apical periodontitis (522.5).
• Code any associated dental caries (e.g., 521.0-521.2) or pulpal necrosis (522.0) as additional diagnoses.