The short version
# D7140 Dental Code: Extraction of an Erupted Tooth or Exposed Root
D7140 reports removal of an erupted tooth or exposed root with elevation, forceps, or both when the procedure doesn't require the bone removal or tooth sectioning that defines D7210. “Simple extraction” is common office shorthand, but the claim needs the current code and a tooth-specific record.
- Bill D7140 for an erupted tooth or exposed root removed through elevation, forceps, or both without qualifying bone removal or tooth sectioning.
- Use D7210 when removal of that erupted tooth requires bone removal, tooth sectioning, or both.
- The code includes removal of tooth structure, minor smoothing of socket bone, and closure when needed.
- Record the tooth number, eruption or root status, removal method, findings, and completion.
- Payers can ask for a current image and notes even when the extraction wasn't reported as D7210.
- In a worked claim, a $250 office fee becomes a $170 allowable. The plan pays $136 at 80%, the patient owes $34, and the office adjusts $80.
What is D7140?
D7140 is the erupted-tooth extraction code for removal with elevators or forceps. It also applies to an exposed root that can be removed by that approach. Minor smoothing and necessary closure stay inside the service.
| Fact | D7140 |
|---|---|
| CDT category | Oral surgery |
| Clinical status | Erupted tooth or exposed root |
| Removal approach | Elevation and/or forceps |
| Reported by | Tooth number |
| Public fee references | Washington Medicaid: $57.65 or $45.73 by program; Oregon Medicaid: $139.58 in 2025 |
When do you bill D7140?
Use D7140 after the clinical record confirms the erupted tooth or exposed root was removed without the added work that changes the code.
- Review the preoperative image and determine eruption or root status.
- Record use of elevators, forceps, or both.
- Note delivery of the tooth or root and socket inspection.
- Document closure and complications when applicable.
D7140 vs D7210
Both codes can involve an erupted tooth.
| D7140 | D7210 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth | Erupted or exposed root | Erupted |
| Defining method | Elevation and/or forceps | Bone removal and/or tooth sectioning |
| Minor socket smoothing | Included | Included |
| Closure when needed | Included | Included |
| Oregon Medicaid example | $139.58 | $194.97 |
What does insurance actually do with D7140?
Oral-surgery benefits commonly apply a deductible and coinsurance. Some plans request a preoperative radiograph or narrative to verify the tooth and diagnosis.
- Office fee: $250
- Contracted allowable: $170
- Contractual adjustment: $80
- Plan payment at 80%: $136
- Patient balance: $34
Oregon's June 2025 schedule lists $139.58. Washington's July 2025 schedule shows $57.65 and $45.73 in separate program columns.
Why does D7140 get denied?
- The tooth number isn't present or conflicts with the image.
- The claim doesn't include the requested image or clinical reason.
- The tooth was impacted, so an erupted-tooth code doesn't match the record.
- A waiting period, annual maximum, or missing-tooth provision affects the benefit.
- The payer hasn't received the other plan's coordination details.
- The office billed a separate routine component already included in D7140.
What documentation gets D7140 paid?
- Identify the tooth and diagnosis supporting removal.
- Record that the tooth was erupted or the root was exposed.
- Describe elevation, forceps use, and delivery.
- Note socket evaluation, minor smoothing, closure, and complications as relevant.
- Keep the diagnostic image tied to the treatment date.
- Save the benefit check and requested attachments.
Common questions about D7140
Is D7140 only for a whole erupted tooth?
No. D7140 can report removal of an erupted tooth or an exposed root when elevation, forceps, or both complete the service without qualifying bone removal or tooth sectioning. Record the clinical status and removal method so the claim isn't limited to a vague “simple extraction” label.
Does sectioning make the code D7210?
For an erupted tooth, required tooth sectioning is one of the features that supports D7210. Record why sectioning was needed and what the dentist completed. Don't change the code for a planned step that wasn't performed, and don't use an erupted-tooth code for an impaction.
Is routine closure separate from D7140?
No. Necessary routine closure for the extraction is included in D7140. Document sutures or socket management as part of the operative note, but don't add a separate line for that included work. A truly distinct procedure needs its own current-code support and documentation.
Can an emergency exam be billed with D7140?
The evaluation and extraction are distinct services when both are delivered and documented. The D0140 guide covers the limited problem-focused exam. Keep the diagnostic findings and decision separate from the extraction note, then verify the member plan's same-day payment rule.
Close the tooth-level record
Before filing, confirm the image, tooth number, eruption status, and removal method agree.
Sources
- ADA, Guide to Extractions: Tooth and Remnants
- ADA News, tips to avoid common coding mistakes
- ADA, frequently asked questions regarding dental codes
- ADA, CDT to ICD diagnosis code crosswalk
- Delta Dental, X-ray claim guidelines for oral surgery
- Washington Medicaid, July 2025 dental fee schedule
- Oregon Medicaid, June 2025 fee schedule
- FAIR Health Consumer, dental cost lookup
CDT codes and nomenclature are copyright © American Dental Association. This guide explains the code in plain language; the current CDT manual is the authoritative source.
