TALON CUSP

1. TALON CUSP A talon cusp, also known as an "eagle's talon", is an extra cusp on an anterior tooth. The term refers to the same condition as dens evaginatus, but the talon cusp is the manifestation of dens evaginatus on anterior teeth. The incidence has been found to range from less than 1% to 6% of the population.[1] Of all cases, 55% occur on the permanent maxillary lateral incisor, and 33% occur on the permanent maxillary central incisor. They are found rarely in primary teeth Figure 1. Intra-oral photograph showing the facial talon cusp and lingual of the mandibular left central incisor.

2. CONCRESCENCE Concrescence is a condition of teeth where the cementum overlying the roots of at least two teeth join together. The cause can sometimes be attributed to trauma or crowding of teeth. Surgical separation of the teeth may be necessary if one is to be extracted.

3. TAURODONTISM Taurodontism is a condition found in the molar teeth of humans whereby the body of the tooth and pulp chamber is enlarged vertically at the expense of the roots. As a result, the floor of the pulp and the furcation of the tooth is moved apically down the root. The underlying mechanism of taurodontism is the failure or late invagination of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, which is responsible for root formation and shaping causing an apical shift of the root furcation.

4. DENS EVANGINATUS Dens evaginatus is a condition found in teeth where the outer surface appears to form an extra bump or cusp. Premolars are more likely to be affected than any other tooth. This may be seen more frequently in Asians, but almost exclusively in Down Syndrome. The pulp of the tooth may extend into the dens evaginatus. There is a risk of the dens evaginatus chipping off in normal function. Hence this condition requires monitoring as the tooth can lose its blood and nerve supply as a result and may need root canal treatment

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