A talon cusp is a rare developmental difference in the shape of a tooth. It appears as an extra cusp-like projection, usually on the tongue-facing or palate-facing side of a front tooth, and gets its name because it can resemble an eagle’s talon. The exact cause is unknown, although genetic and environmental influences during tooth development may play a role.
How Rare Is A Talon Cusp Tooth?
What Is A Talon Cusp?
A talon cusp is an extra cusp-like projection that extends from the cingulum area toward the biting edge of a front tooth. It is usually made of enamel and dentin, and in some cases may contain pulp tissue. Talon cusps most often occur on the tongue-facing or palate-facing surface of upper front teeth, although they can also occur on lower front teeth or, more rarely, on the lip-facing surface of a tooth.
Talon Cusps are Rare
This dental anomaly affects up to 8 percent of the population, making it a very rare development. They are able to develop on an individual’s baby teeth but are normally more commonly developed on permanent teeth. In fact, 75 percent of talon cusps develop on permanent teeth. This makes the development of talon cusps on baby teeth even rarer.
To add to the rarity of a talon cusp, it has been found to occur more in men compared to women. As mentioned, they have been found to develop on the lower and upper front teeth. However, the majority of them occur on the upper teeth, in around 92 percent of cases on record. The upper teeth that are at higher risk of developing talon cusps are the incisors. The incisors are the two teeth located on either side of the two front teeth, known as the central incisors. They can develop on the lateral incisors and the canine teeth as well.
What Causes a Talon Cusp?
The exact cause is not known. A talon cusp forms during early tooth development, before the tooth erupts into the mouth. Research suggests that genetic influences and environmental factors during development may both play a role.
A talon cusp is not caused by poor brushing, diet, or something a person did after the tooth came in.
Does A Talon Cusp Affect Dental Health?
A talon cusp will develop on the side of the tooth where chewing occurs. If the cusp is small, it will not cause any trouble. In fact, speaking and eating will still be easy and possible.
However, if the cusp is large, it will contribute to dental problems such as gum irritation, cavities, and even injuries to the tongue and lips. When they are larger it also makes it harder for individuals to eat and speak. This makes it important for a dentist to treat the talon in order to avoid any further implications.
How Do You Treat Talon Cusps?
While there are treatments for a talon cusp, treatment depends on its size. Treatment is also dependent on the following factors
- Is pulp inside of it?
- How long the cusp has been left before having it looked at?
- Is the talon causing any other dental issues?
Small cusps generally do not require treatment as they can be gradually ground down over time, creating a smoother surface. If the cusp contains pulp that has become infected, and is larger in size, interfering with chewing and other tasks, then your dentist may recommend endodontic treatment.
Endodontic treatments include procedures such as a root canal. Treatments range from short to long-term, depending on the severity of the talon cusp that an individual has developed.
What Do You Do If You Suspect A Talon Cusp?
As with any dental issue, if you suspect anything may be out of the ordinary and you are experiencing symptoms associated with a talon cusp, it is best to consult with a local dental professional. A local dental professional will be able to quickly identify if an individual has developed a talon cusp. They will then be able to advise you on the necessary treatments in order to resolve the issue. You can also prevent any unknown talon cusps from developing further by having frequent visits to the dentist’s office.
All Smiles Family Dentistry in Omaha, NE
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