Talon cusp is a prominent accessory cusp-like structure projecting from the cingulum area or the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) of the maxillary or mandibular teeth in both primary and permanent dentition.[1] This accessory cusp, which can vary in size, is formed by enamel and dentin, and may or may not have a projection of the pulp tissue.[2] This unusual dental anomaly was first described by Mitchell in 1892. It was thereafter named a Talon cusp by Mellor and Ripa due to its resemblance to an eagle's talon.[34] There are limited data available on the prevalence of talon cusps, which ranges from 0.06% to 7.7%.[256] The maxillary lateral incisors are the most commonly affected (67%) followed by the central incisors (24%) and canines (9%). This cusp is normally presented in the palatal or occlusal surfaces of the teeth.[7] Only few cases of talon cusps in facial surfaces of teeth were reported in the literature.[358–14]

A 25-year-old female reported to the dental clinic with complaint of decayed tooth in the left back region of the lower jaw. On examination an elevation on the labial aspect of crown of the maxillary right permanent central incisor was noticed. The elevation was broader at the cervical area and gradually tapered toward the incisal edge to give a ridge-like appearance. The cervical area had light brown discoloration [Figure 1]. No abnormalities were noticed on the palatal surface of the tooth. A midline diastema existed between the two central incisors. The periapical area appeared to be normal. Normal responses were obtained on the pulp testing procedure. Intraoral periapical radiograph of the area revealed V-shaped radiopacity in relation to the coronal aspect of maxillary right central incisor, extending 1 mm below the incisal edge to the cementoenamel junction. The radiopacity of the V-shaped area was comparable to that of enamel. No pulpal or canal changes were observed. No changes in the periapical area were noticed [Figure 2]. Based on these clinical and radiological features diagnosis of facial talon cusp was made. A thorough oral prophylaxis was performed and the decayed molar was restored. As the patient had no complaints with the abnormal tooth (with facial talon) she was kept on a yearly periodic recall.

Talon cusp consists of enamel, dentin, and varying extensions of pulp. It originates during the morphodifferentiation stage of tooth development. The exact etiology of this anomaly is controversial. Genetic and environmental factors, aberrant hyperactivity of dental lamina, outward folding of the inner enamel epithelium, altered endocrine functions, and a transient focal hyperplasia of the mesenchymal dental papilla might be responsible.[615]

The shape, size, and location of talon cusp may vary from a slight tubercle-like projection to a well-delineated prominent cusp extending from the cementoenamel junction to the incisal edge. In our case, the tubercle-like projection extending 1 mm below the incisal edge to the cementoenamel junction was observed. They may be found on the palatal/lingual or labial faces of the tooth, in primary or permanent dentition.[6] Talon cusp occurs more frequently in permanent than primary dentitions and shows a predilection for the maxilla over the mandible.[16] Males are affected more than females. Our case was of a 25-year-old female with talon cusp on permanent dentition in the maxillary arch. In vast majority of cases the talon cusp originates from the lingual surface of the tooth, on very rare occasions from the facial aspect of the tooth.[38–14] As a matter of fact only seven case reports of facial talon in permanent maxillary teeth have been found in the literature till date.[38–1214] So far nine cases of faciolingual talon cusps have been reported.[1417–22] Few archeological studies have reported of labial talon cusp in ancient skeletal remains.[2324]

Hattab et al.[25] graded the lingual talon cusp from 1 (the most extreme form) to 3 (slightest form). Where as a classification for the labial talon cusp was suggested after examining the dentition of 301 skeletons from a pre-European contact American Indian population as follows.[24]

The aim of this report was to describe the clinical and radiological feature of an extremely rare anomaly of facial talon cusp. The information in this report would help the clinicians to identify such anomalies more efficiently and prevent further complications and inconvenience to patient.