Case of the week: Talon cusp with clinical photo 6


This week I have a case of a large talon cusp on a maxillary central incisor along with a clinical photo.  A talon cusp is a hyperplasia of the cingulum of a tooth and typically classified as a variant of normal anatomy.  In the anterior, it will present as a V (maxilla) or triangular (mandible) radiopaque entity superimposed over the crown of the tooth. The radiopacity is that of enamel.  Check out the maxillary right central incisor on this case below.

talon cusp periapical radiograph maxillary central incisortalon cusp clinical photo maxillary central incisorIf you have any questions or comments about talon cusps, please leave them in the comments below. Thanks and enjoy!



6 thoughts on “Case of the week: Talon cusp with clinical photo

  • Anne Brazil

    Love the clinical photo – works really well with the radiograph.
    Is there a particular ethnic group where talon cusp is more prevalent? Thanks..

    • Dr. Shawneen Gonzalez Post author

      I’m unaware of this being more common in specific ethnic groups but now I must look and see. 🙂

  • karen palomino

    How would you fix this? Would you file it down in a series or request a root canal?

    • Dr. Shawneen Gonzalez Post author

      Most talon cusps do not interfere with normal occlusion and merely have the lingual pit sealed. Some may be slowly ground down over time if they prevent normal occlusion. Typically a root canal is not required.

      • jasmin

        I am 29 and have this talon..do you think a dentist would be interested in giving me free dental work in exchange for my tooth

      • Dr. Shawneen Gonzalez Post author

        Most likely not as talon cusps are not uncommon, but if you had an interesting case who knows.

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