Talons Cusp is also known as Dens Evaginatus or Eagles Talon which is a developmental anomaly which is characterized by the presence of an extra cusp on the Lingual aspect of the Anterior Teeth. Talons cusp was first reported in 1892 by WH Mitchell. The additional cusp is a result of evagination on the surface of the crown during or before the calcification of the Crown. The other names for describing Talons cusp are Lingual tubercle, supernumerary cusp, prominent cingulum, occlusal anomalous tubercle, etc.
Talons cusp comes under an uncommon developmental anomaly the incidence of which is 1 to 6% in decidious teeth it is arond 7.7% according to Chawla et al.. Histologically it is made of Enamel, Dentin and even Pulp tissue. In terms of teeth it is seen in – Permanent Maxillary Central Incisor is 55% while Permanent Maxillary Lateral Incisor it is 33%. The other teeth presenting Talons cusp are Canine and central Incisor. Males have higher incidence of having Talons cusp as compared to Females.
As to the Etiology of Causes of Talons cusp formation might be associated with Syndromes, odontogenic abnormalities, genetic factors, hyperactivity of the anterior region of dental lamina, mutational dysmorphogenesis, etc. It can be said that the Etiology can be multi factorial suggesting environmental and genetic factors combined.
Talons Cusp, Dens Evaginatus
Classification of Talons Cusp:
Talons Cusp has been classified on the basis of degree of extent of cusp formation into 3 types.
- Class 1 Talons Cusp: It is called as the True Talons Cusp where the length of the Cusp is more than half of the Length of the Incisor
- Class 2 Talons Cusp (Semi-Talon): When the length of the Talons Cusp is less than half of the Length of the Incisor
- Class 3 Talons Cusp (Trace Talon): When the length of the Talons Cups is very little or in traces
Syndromes Associated with Talons Cusp:
- Rubinstein Taybi syndrome:
- Sturge Weber Syndrome (encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis)
- Mohr Syndrome (oral-facial-digital-syndrome, type II)
Treatment of Talon’s cusp:
It has to be determined based on the classification and the what problems it might lead to in the future, it has to be kept under observation as it has a high incidence of Caries due to grooves which are difficult to clean with traditional brushing methods.
The additional cusps depending on their size can lead to malocclusion, due to premature contact and occlusal interference which need to be addressed by reduction or trimming of the additional cusp to remove occlusal interference.
The deep grooves should be removed or filled with Glass Ionomer cement to prevent food impaction leading to Dental Caries.
References –
- Talons Cusp: A Report of Seven Cases and Review of Literature
- Talon Cusps in Mandibular Incisors: An Unusual Presentation in a Child Patient
Leave a Reply