Orthodontics: Ellis classification: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Orthodontics: Ellis classification

Sample item

A boy has fractured an upper incisor and a pink spot of pulp is visible in the dentine, with sensitivity to air. Which Ellis class is this?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Class III

Ellis class I is enamel only, class II is enamel and dentine, and class III exposes the pulp. Class III injuries need urgent pulp treatment.

Option by option

  • A. Class IV

    Class IV is a non-vital tooth with or without crown loss in the older scheme.

  • B. Class II

    Class II involves dentine without pulp exposure.

  • C. Class III (correct)

    Correct. Pulp exposure defines Ellis class III.

  • D. Class I

    Class I involves enamel only.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dentistry questions

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Class III. Ellis class I is enamel only, class II is enamel and dentine, and class III exposes the pulp.

Why is "Class IV" not the answer?

Class IV is a non-vital tooth with or without crown loss in the older scheme.

Why is "Class II" not the answer?

Class II involves dentine without pulp exposure.

Why is "Class I" not the answer?

Class I involves enamel only.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics: Ellis classification in Dentistry. Class III injuries need urgent pulp treatment.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Orthodontics: Ellis classification?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.