Online published on 25 November, 2013.
The aim of the present study is to report the prevalence of talon cusp in 5000 school children.
a survey of 5000 school children aged 6–15 years was conducted. The dental examination was conducted randomly and cases were recorded in a prepared performa. The use of radiographs was made to detect the presence of pulpal extension.
Prevalence of Talon cusp amongst 5000 school children was 0.8%. Among 40 positive cases 15 were in 6–10 years and 25 were in 11–15 years of age group. 17 cases were in mixed dentition and 23 in permanent dentition and none in the deciduous dentition. 27 cases were found in lateral incisors. 29 cases pointed towards a hereditary aetiology.
Talon cusp is not a rare anomaly as previously reported. The study points to a genetic aetiology and emphasises the importance of its early diagnosis to prevent complications.
