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Endodontics · single question

A patient's tooth 8 does not respond to thermal testing after crown fracture trauma to the upper anterior incisors. What type of fracture is it?

  1. Complex
  2. Simple
  3. Compound
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Correct answer: A. Complex

Tooth fracture classification: Simple = enamel only (Ellis Class I). Compound = enamel + dentin (Ellis Class II) — pulp not exposed. Complex = enamel + dentin + PULP exposure (Ellis Class III). When a tooth does not respond to thermal testing after trauma, this indicates pulpal involvement (exposure or necrosis) — therefore the fracture involves the pulp = COMPLEX fracture.
  • A. CORRECT. Complex fracture (Ellis Class III) involves enamel + dentin + PULP. The absence of thermal response indicates pulpal involvement or necrosis from the trauma. This classifies the fracture as complex.
  • B. INCORRECT. Simple fracture involves enamel only (Ellis Class I). No pulpal involvement, tooth remains vital.
  • C. INCORRECT. Compound fracture involves enamel and dentin (Ellis Class II). The dentin is exposed but the pulp is NOT. The tooth should still respond to thermal testing.

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