Pain from fractured crowns is primarily associated with which dental structure?

The pain associated with fractured crowns is primarily linked to the pulp cavity. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, making it sensitive to injury. When the crown of a tooth is fractured, it can expose the underlying pulp tissue or cause irritation to it, leading to significant pain. This pain can occur due to the inflammation of the pulp (pulpitis) or infection that can arise from bacteria entering the tooth through the fracture.

While other structures, like the dentin, can contribute to sensitivity (particularly in cases of exposed dentin), the most pronounced pain typically arises from the pulp's nerve endings, which respond strongly to physical damage or infection. Thus, although dentin and enamel changes can be uncomfortable, they do not compare to the level of pain experienced when the pulp is compromised, solidifying that the pulp cavity is the primary source of pain in cases of fractured crowns.