Co-Founder and CXO, eAssist
Sandy Odle is the Co-Founder and CXO of eAssist Dental Solutions, where she has played a key role in shaping the company’s business and marketing strategies, leading to record growth and national recognition on the Inc. 500 and Utah Top 100 lists. A passionate social entrepreneur, Sandy believes that business is about building meaningful connections and creating personalized solutions that truly meet customer needs. Her relentless commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences is at the heart of eAssist’s mission. Drawing on the discipline and attention to detail honed during her early career as a ballet dancer, Sandy brings a unique blend of creativity, precision, and work ethic to everything she does.
CDT Code D7111: Coding and Billing for Primary Tooth Coronal Remnants
One of the over 800 CDT codes, D7111 reports the removal of soft tissue retained primary tooth crowns or crown remnants where the root has resorbed — and it is a commonly miscoded extraction code. The mistake is almost always the same: reporting D7111 for routine primary tooth extractions. Understanding when D7111 applies, and when it doesn’t, is essential for accurate claim submission and consistent reimbursement.
What Is D7111?
D7111 reports the removal of soft tissue retained primary tooth crowns or crown remnants where the root has resorbed. It is not a code for routine primary (baby) tooth extractions. If the primary tooth is still fully or partially retained by remaining root structure, D7111 does not apply.
Billing D7111
It is a common coding error to report extraction, coronal remnants – primary tooth (D7111), for “routine” primary (baby) tooth extractions. D7111 reports the removal of soft tissue retained primary tooth crowns or crown remnants where the root has resorbed.
- If the primary tooth is still fully or partially retained by remaining root structure, D7140 or D7210 would apply — and typically carry higher fees.
- D7250 may alternatively be reported for the extraction of residual roots of a primary tooth if removal requires a cutting procedure involving soft tissue and bone. For D7250 to apply, the residual roots must not be exposed or able to be removed using an elevator or forceps alone.
D7111 vs D7140 vs D7210 vs D7250: Which Code Applies?
| D7111 | D7140 | D7210 | D7250 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applies to | Primary teeth only | Primary or permanent | Primary or permanent | Primary or permanent |
| Condition | Root has fully resorbed; soft tissue retained crown or remnant only | Erupted tooth or exposed root | Erupted tooth requiring bone removal and/or sectioning | Residual roots requiring cutting procedure |
| Technique | Soft tissue removal only | Elevation and/or forceps removal | Flap elevation, bone removal, and/or sectioning | Cutting procedure — soft tissue and bone |
| Bone removal required? | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Common error | Used for routine primary extractions | — | Downgraded to D7140 without proper documentation | Reported when elevator or forceps removal alone was sufficient |
What Is D7140?
D7140 reports the extraction of an erupted tooth or exposed root via elevation and/or forceps removal. It includes removal of tooth structure, minor smoothing of socket bone, and closure as needed. This is considered a simple extraction and applies when the tooth or exposed root is removed without bone removal or sectioning.
What Is D7210?
D7210 reports the extraction of an erupted tooth requiring removal of bone and/or sectioning of tooth, including elevation of a mucoperiosteal flap if indicated. It includes cutting gingiva and bone, removing tooth structure, sectioning of tooth, minor smoothing of socket bone, and closure. This is a surgical extraction requiring additional time, skill, and complexity — and should be reimbursed at a higher rate than D7140.
D7210 is one of the most commonly downgraded extraction codes. Insurance companies frequently downgrade D7210 to D7140 when documentation doesn’t clearly support the surgical requirements outlined in the code descriptor. Always submit diagnostic radiographs, intraoral photos, and a detailed narrative to support D7210 claims.
What Is D7250?
D7250 reports the removal of residual tooth roots via a cutting procedure involving soft tissue and bone. For this code to apply, the residual roots must not be exposed or able to be removed using an elevator or forceps alone.
Payor Reimbursement Limitations for D7111
Some payors have an exclusion for reimbursement of D7111 if an extraction is performed in conjunction with any other surgery performed at the same site on the same day. For instance, when primary coronal remnants and an underlying permanent premolar are extracted (for orthodontic reasons) on the same service date, some payors would reimburse the underlying permanent premolar tooth only, but not the primary tooth coronal remnant.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common error is reporting D7111 for routine primary tooth extractions. D7111 only applies when the root has fully resorbed and only a soft tissue retained crown or crown remnant remains. If the primary tooth is still fully or partially retained by root structure, D7140 or D7210 applies instead.
The determining factor is the condition of the root. If the root has fully resorbed and only a soft tissue retained crown or remnant remains, report D7111. If the tooth is still retained by root structure and is removed via elevation or forceps without bone removal, report D7140. If bone removal and/or sectioning is required, report D7210.
D7250 applies when residual roots of a primary tooth require a cutting procedure involving both soft tissue and bone for removal. If the roots are exposed or can be removed with an elevator or forceps alone, D7250 does not apply.
One common reason is that some payors exclude reimbursement for D7111 when an extraction is performed in conjunction with another surgery at the same site on the same day. For example, if primary coronal remnants and an underlying permanent premolar are extracted on the same date for orthodontic reasons, some payors will only reimburse the permanent premolar extraction.
Additional Coding Guidance
Additional tips regarding coding for extractions and other oral surgery procedures can be found in Practice Booster’s Dental Coding With Confidence or their online Code Advisor!
CDT Coding Support
If you are struggling with CDT coding, consider partnering with eAssist. Our Success Consultants have full access to the entire Practice Booster library to support you in coding for what you actually do as documented in the patient’s clinical record. To find out more, schedule a free consultation here.
Disclaimer: Insurance administration and dental billing recommendations presented here represent the opinions of the author or our staff and are for informational purposes only. You are responsible for your own use of the CDT Codes, insurance administration, and dental billing. For the latest CDT codes and official interpretations, contact the American Dental Association or visit ADA.org.
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