Talon Cusp — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateAnatomy (Head & Neck)Talon CuspMFDS Part 1

A 12-year-old patient has a well-defined accessory cusp projecting from the cingulum on the palatal surface of a permanent maxillary lateral incisor and extending towards the incisal edge. Which developmental dental anomaly is present?

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Correct answer: C — Talon cusp

The correct answer is **A, talon cusp**. This is an evaginated accessory cusp arising from the cingulum or cervical region of an anterior tooth and extending towards the incisal edge. It occurs particularly on the palatal surface of permanent maxillary incisors. The developmental groove beside the projection may retain plaque, while a large cusp can interfere with occlusion and may contain pulpal tissue. Dens invaginatus is an inward folding of enamel and dentine rather than an external cusp. Gemination is attempted division of a single tooth germ, usually producing an enlarged or bifid crown. Concrescence is union of adjacent teeth by cementum alone. Dilaceration is an abnormal bend between parts of a tooth, commonly affecting the root.

Reference: Colak H, Yilmaz C, Keklik H, Colak T. Talon cusps occurring concurrently with dens invaginatus on a permanent maxillary lateral incisor: a case report and literature review. General Dentistry. 2014;62(3):e14–e18. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24784523/