Talon Cusp: A Case Report and Literature Review

Talon cusp is a well-delineated accessory cusp thought to arise as a result of evagination on the surface of a tooth before calcification has occurred. It is seen projecting from the cingulum or cementoenamel junction of maxillary or mandibular anterior tooth. It is named due to its resemblance to eagle's talon, which is the shape of eagle's claw when hooked on to its prey. The incidence is 0.04 to 8%. This article reports a case of talon cusp on maxillary permanent lateral incisor. When it occurs on the facial aspect, the effects are mainly esthetic and functional and so early detection and treatment is essential in its management to avoid complications.