D7111 is the CDT code for extraction of coronal remnants on a primary tooth. It covers removing the remaining crown of a retained baby tooth where the roots have already resorbed, leaving only the visible coronal portion to be lifted out.
Last updated June 2026 · Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team
Use D7111 when a primary tooth is reduced to coronal remnants and the roots have resorbed. The crown is what remains and needs to be removed, often because it is loose, decayed, or interfering with the erupting permanent tooth. With the roots gone, removal is straightforward and limited to the crown portion.
D7111 applies to primary teeth, not permanent teeth. The code is specific to baby teeth where normal root resorption has already happened. If the tooth is permanent or the primary tooth still has intact roots that require elevation, this is not the right code.
Erupted teeth or exposed roots that need forceps or elevation belong under D7140. Surgical extractions requiring bone removal or sectioning use the D7210 series. A permanent tooth, an impacted tooth, or a primary tooth with substantial remaining root structure all fall outside D7111.
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Removal of the remaining crown of a primary tooth where the roots have resorbed. Only coronal remnants are left, so the procedure is limited to lifting out the crown portion.
Removal of an erupted tooth or exposed root that requires elevation or forceps delivery. Used for routine extractions where the tooth or root still needs to be lifted from the socket.
Billing tip: The deciding factor is whether roots remain. If a primary tooth is just a crown over resorbed roots, it is D7111. If the tooth or root still requires elevation, it is D7140 even on a baby tooth. Documenting the root status keeps the code defensible.
D7111 is defined for primary teeth only. Reporting it for a permanent tooth is a coding error that gets denied. Confirm the tooth is primary and that the tooth number on the claim reflects a baby tooth before submitting.
The claim must identify the specific tooth. Missing or mismatched tooth numbers stop the payer from confirming the procedure. Use the correct primary tooth designation and make sure it matches the clinical note.
The record needs to show that only the crown remained over resorbed roots. Without a note or radiograph confirming the coronal remnants, the payer may assume a routine extraction belongs under D7140. Describe the retained crown and root status clearly.
Some plans apply age limits or frequency rules to primary tooth extractions. The claim can be denied or reduced based on the patient plan rather than the clinical work. Verify the patient benefits and any pediatric limitations before treatment.
Record the specific primary tooth removed using the correct designation. Make sure the tooth number on the claim matches the clinical note so the payer can confirm it is a baby tooth.
Include a radiograph or a clear note showing the roots have resorbed and only coronal remnants remain. This is the key evidence that D7111 is the correct code rather than D7140.
Describe the retained primary crown, why it needed removal, and that the procedure was limited to the coronal portion. Be specific about the condition of the tooth.
State plainly that the tooth was a primary tooth. This prevents the claim from being read as a permanent tooth extraction and keeps the code accurate.
Check the patient plan for pediatric age limits or frequency rules on extractions. Note coverage details so any patient responsibility is communicated up front.
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Learn about our billing servicesD7111 is the CDT code for extraction of coronal remnants on a primary tooth. It describes removing the remaining crown portion of a retained baby tooth where the roots have already resorbed, leaving only the visible crown.
D7111 is for coronal remnants of a primary tooth where the roots have resorbed. D7140 is for extraction of an erupted tooth or exposed root, removing the tooth or root with forceps or elevation. D7111 applies specifically to the leftover crown of a baby tooth.
Yes. D7111 is defined for coronal remnants of a primary, or baby, tooth. It is used when only the crown remains because the roots have resorbed as part of normal exfoliation, and the crown needs to be removed.
Common reasons include using D7111 on a permanent tooth, missing or unclear tooth identification, no documentation that only coronal remnants remained, and frequency or age limitations on the patient plan.
A radiograph is strong support because it shows that the roots have resorbed and only the coronal portion remains. Many payers expect imaging or a clear clinical note describing the retained crown to confirm D7111 is the correct code.
Use D7140 when removing an erupted tooth or an exposed root that still requires elevation or forceps delivery, including primary teeth with intact roots. Use D7111 only when the primary tooth is reduced to coronal remnants over resorbed roots.
Search all 206 CDT codes in our dental coding guide.