Talon Cusp on Permanent Maxillary Canine: a Rare Case Report

Developmental anomalies affecting number, size, shape, structure, and location of teeth are varied. One such rare anomaly affecting the shape of anterior teeth is talon cusp. It is an accessory cusp-like projection found on lingual or labial surfaces of the upper or lower incisors, unilaterally or bilaterally in both dentitions. It is composed of normal enamel and dentine, with or without pulp. It is thought to develop as a result of evagination on the surface of a tooth during morphodifferentiation stage. Reported incidence is 0.04-10%, with higher prevalence in males. It is more common in permanent dentition with a predilection for maxillary lateral incisors (55%), followed by central incisors (36%) and canines (9%). Talon cusp may cause problems like irritation of tongue during speech and mastication, occlusal interference, caries susceptibility and displacement of the affected tooth, and esthetics. Its treatment ranges from application of sealant to gradual reduction to root canal therapy. Early diagnosis of talon cusp and its treatment can avoid complications related to this anomaly.