Talon Cusp

The talon cusp, a supernumerary or accessory cusp, affects maxillary or mandibular incisor teeth.¹⁰ This extra cusp occurs on the cingulum of maxillary lateral incisor teeth, most commonly, followed respectively by maxillary central incisors, mandibular incisors, and maxillary canine teeth.⁷ More common in the permanent dentition, the cusp extends from the lingual aspect of the tooth with a formation that resembles an eagle’s talon.¹⁰ Facial talon cusps have been reported but are rare.¹⁰ The cusp is well-formed and extends at least half the distance from the cementoenamel junction to the incisal edge, often containing a pulpal extension.^7,10 A deep developmental groove may exist between the talon cusp and the underlying tooth structure.^7,10 Radiographically, the cusp anatomy will appear superimposed over the other tooth structure components.^7,10 The pulpal extension, if present, may not be demonstrated radiographically.¹⁰

Talon cusps tend to occur more frequently in Native American, Asian, Inuit and Arab populations with prevalence ranging from 1-8%.^7,10 This cuspal anomaly can occur in either gender and may present unilaterally or bilaterally.^7,9 The talon cusp is often associated with other dental anomalies such as supernumerary teeth, impacted teeth and dens invaginatus.^9,10