From Volume 39, Issue 4, May 2012 | Pages 262-264
Talon cusps are an uncommon dental anomaly of odontogenic origin. Talon cusps can also present with other dental anomalies, however these have been infrequently reported in the literature. The following is a report of two cases in which talon cusps were detected in combination with two distinct dental anomalies: an ectopic canine and transposition.
A talon cusp is a rare dental anomaly of odontogenic origin first reported by Mitchell in 1892.1 The prevalence has been reported at 0.012%,2 0.17%3 and 7.7%.4 Davies and Brook2 defined a talon cusp as:
…an additional cusp that prominently projects from the lingual surface of primary or permanent anterior teeth, is morphologically well-delineated, and extends at least half the distance from the cement-enamel junction to the incisal edge.
The resemblance to an eagle's talon is a reflection of the shape of this anomaly.5
Both genetic and environmental factors have been suggested as aetiological factors. The reported incidence is higher in males than females. Typically, talon cusps can present on the palatal or lingual aspect of the incisors, and occur more frequently in the maxillary dentition, with the maxillary lateral incisor the most commonly affected tooth.2,5,6 Labial talon cusps have, however, also been reported.7,8 Talon cusps can also be found in both permanent and primary teeth9,10 and associated with syndromes such as Sturge-Weber,10 Rubinstein-Taybi11 and Mohr syndromes.12
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