D7111 Extraction Coding for Coronal Remnants of Primary Teeth

November 5, 2019

Updated 12/26/25

One of the over 800 CDT codes is D7111 extraction, coronal remnants – primary tooth. Here are some tips to properly bill it.

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, then D7140 or D7210 would apply, which typically have higher fees. D7250 may alternatively be reported for the extraction of residual roots of a primary tooth if removal requires a cutting procedure (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

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.     

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.