A crown fracture is classified as 'complicated' when which of the following is present?

According to the Ellis and Davey classification system for traumatic dental injuries, a complicated crown fracture involves fracture through enamel and dentin WITH exposure of the pulp (dental pulp is visible at the fracture site). This is critical because pulp exposure introduces the risk of bacterial contamination and pulpal infection. An uncomplicated crown fracture involves fracture through enamel only (Ellis Class I) or enamel and dentin WITHOUT pulp exposure (Ellis Class II), presenting with dentinal sensitivity but intact pulp protection. Treatment of a complicated fracture depends on the patient's age, time elapsed since injury, and pulp vitality — options include direct pulp capping, pulpotomy, or root canal treatment.