An Uncommon Dental Anomaly: Talon Cusp

Abstract

Talon cusp is an uncommon dental anomaly presenting as an accessory cusp. It is seen in both deciduous and permanent dentition and on lingual and facial surfaces of anterior teeth. It can occur unilaterally or bilaterally. The incidence of occurrence is more in maxillary teeth. It is usually asymptomatic but can pose functional and esthetic problems. This article presents the review of talon cusp in relation to its definition, etiopathogenesis, prevalence, clinical and histological findings, clinical implications, radiographic findings, classification and management aspects.

Concurrence of Dens Invaginatus and Evaginatus Involving All Maxillary Anteriors: A Rare Case with Comprehensive Review

“…From the 1920s to the 1990s numerous reports on cases of dens invaginatus and talon cusp were published in the dental literature, 3,9 however, very few [De Sousa et al (1999) and Attur M et al (2011)] have reported the simultaneous occurrence of both in a dentition and in a single tooth. 2,8 The present case is another contribution of such a rare co-occurrence of dens invaginatus and talon cusp (dens evaginatus) to the dental literature.…”

“…16 Increased localized external pressure on a tooth germ during morphodifferentiation stage may result in either outfolding of the dental lamina as in the case of talon cusp and shovelling or infolding of the lamina as in dens invaginatus. 9 Other theories explaining etiology of talon cusp are endocrine disturbance during morphodifferentiation, hyperproductivity of dental lamina, and genetic factors. 9,10,11,13 Talon cusp can occur as isolated condition or associated with other dental anomalies including bifid cingula, peg-shaped incisors, dens invaginatus, shovel-shaped incisors and exaggerated cusp of Carabelli.…”

“…9 Other theories explaining etiology of talon cusp are endocrine disturbance during morphodifferentiation, hyperproductivity of dental lamina, and genetic factors. 9,10,11,13 Talon cusp can occur as isolated condition or associated with other dental anomalies including bifid cingula, peg-shaped incisors, dens invaginatus, shovel-shaped incisors and exaggerated cusp of Carabelli. 17 Also it has been seen in patients with Mohr, Rubinstein Taybi, Sturge -Weber, and Ellis van Creveld syndromes.…”

“…8 So, the talon cusp is described as an anomalous hyperplasia of the cingulum of maxillary and mandibular incisors resulting in the formation of a supernumerary cusp resembling an eagle"s talon. 9 It was first described by Mitchell in 1892 as a process in the form of a "horn", curving from an inclined base to a cutting edge on the lingual surface of central incisor. 10 However, it was named as "Talon cusp" by Mellor and Ripa in 1970.…”

“…10 However, it was named as "Talon cusp" by Mellor and Ripa in 1970. 9 Talon cusp consists of enamel, dentin with varying extensions of pulp. 11 Clinically it varies widely in shape, size, structure, from that of a prominent cingulum to that of a cuplike structure extending to the level of the incisal edge.…”