D7140 is for the routine extraction of an erupted tooth using forceps and/or elevators. This is a non-surgical extraction. The tooth is visible, accessible, and can be removed without cutting tissue, removing bone, or sectioning the tooth. No flap is raised. This is the standard extraction code for teeth that come out with standard technique.
D7140 is for the routine extraction of an erupted tooth using forceps and/or elevators. This is a non-surgical extraction. The tooth is visible, accessible, and can be removed without cutting tissue, removing bone, or sectioning the tooth. No flap is raised. This is the standard extraction code for teeth that come out with standard technique.
Do NOT use D7140 for: Teeth requiring surgical extraction with flap, bone removal, or sectioning (use D7210). Impacted teeth (use D7220-D7241). Residual root tips (use D7250). Primary teeth (may still use D7140 but check age-based coverage limitations).
Click any code to see the difference.
Simple, non-surgical extraction. Forceps and elevators only. No flap raised, no bone removed, no tooth sectioned.
Surgical extraction of an erupted tooth. Requires flap elevation, bone removal, or tooth sectioning. More complex, higher reimbursement.
If you bill D7210 but the operative note describes a simple forceps extraction, the payer downgrades to D7140. Conversely, if the extraction truly required surgical technique, make sure the note documents it clearly or you lose the surgical fee.
Document why the tooth needs extraction. Non-restorable caries, fracture, periodontal disease, failed endodontic treatment, orthodontic reasons. "Extraction performed" without a diagnosis can trigger a request for records.
Each tooth extracted gets its own D7140. Report the specific tooth number for each extraction. Billing D7140 without a tooth number gets denied.
A periapical or panoramic radiograph showing the tooth condition is expected with every extraction claim. The x-ray confirms the diagnosis (decay extent, bone loss, root pathology) and shows root anatomy. Without it, you're vulnerable to a records request. If the roots turn out to be curved or fused to bone and you need to go surgical mid-procedure, the pre-op x-ray supports the upgrade to D7210.
Sometimes a routine extraction turns surgical. A root fractures during extraction. The bone is denser than expected and requires removal. The crown breaks and the roots need sectioning. If this happens, document it in the operative note: what you started with (planned simple extraction), what changed (root fracture, bone removal needed), and what you did (raised flap, removed bone, sectioned roots). Then bill D7210. The note justifies the upgrade. Without it, the payer sees D7210 and downgrades to D7140 because the clinical notes don't support surgical complexity.
D7140 can be used for primary teeth but some plans have age-based limitations. Certain plans don't cover extractions on primary teeth expected to exfoliate naturally within a specific timeframe. Check the patient's plan if extracting a primary tooth on a pediatric patient. Document why the extraction is clinically necessary rather than waiting for natural exfoliation.
Specific tooth number for each extraction. Required on the claim.
Reason for extraction: non-restorable decay, fracture, periodontal disease, orthodontic need.
Radiograph showing the tooth condition and root anatomy.
Brief note: tooth number, anesthesia type, extraction technique (forceps/elevator), any complications, post-op instructions given.
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Learn about our billing servicesD7140 is the CDT code for a routine, non-surgical extraction of a fully erupted tooth using forceps and/or elevators.
D7140 is a simple extraction. D7210 is surgical, requiring flap elevation, bone removal, or tooth sectioning. Documentation determines which code is appropriate.
Yes. Each extracted tooth gets its own D7140 with the specific tooth number reported.
Search all 206 CDT codes in our dental coding guide.