Oral Surgery · single question

Which classification describes a crown fracture extending subgingivally (deep into the cervical area)?

Ellis Class I
Ellis Class II
Ellis Class III
Ellis Class IV / an extended class (VI–VIII) depending on the system used

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Correct answer: D. Ellis Class IV / an extended class (VI–VIII) depending on the system used

Heads up — this question is genuinely ambiguous between classification systems, and you may see it phrased differently on different exams. In the simplified 4-class Ellis system taught most commonly (I = enamel only, II = enamel+dentin, III = enamel+dentin+pulp exposure, IV = nonvital tooth), subgingival extension isn't really what defines Class IV. The extended 9-class Ellis & Davey/Hargreaves system has separate categories for root fractures (VI), displacement (VII), and extensive crown fractures requiring full crown coverage (VIII) — a fracture extending subgingivally is best captured there. Know your program's preferred system before test day.

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Which classification describes a crown fracture extending subgingivally (deep into the cervical area)?

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