Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (Sep 2023)
Torus Cingularis/Facialis: A Clue to Talon Cusp
Abstract
Developmental abnormalities of the teeth may be caused by genetic influences, environmental factors, or idiopathic reasons. The causal effect axis has not been established in many of these disorders [1]. Various developmental alterations related to tooth shape, such as fusion, concrescence, gemination, and accessory cusps, have been described. Talon cusp is one such developmental alteration of the teeth that was identified in 1892 by Mitchell WH as an extra horn-like cusp or an exaggerated cusp at the region of the cingulum, with no established causal-effect axis [2]. Mellor JK and Ripa LW named it talon cusp, as it resembles an eagle’s beak [3]. This developmental anomaly is the result of both environmental and genetic factors that affect early odontogenesis. Talon cusp is often observed in relation to Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome [Table/Fig-1] [4]. Based on morphology, the talon cusp is divided into three types: Talon, Semi talon, and Trace talon [5]. Previously, this structural abnormality mostly resembled the shape of an eagle’s talon. However, recent literature has reported various shapes, such as a heart or triangle, on the facial or palatal surface [3,6]. In the present literature, the authors proposed the term “Torus Facialis” or “Torus Cingularis” as an alternative name for talon cusp, which allows clinicians and academicians to adopt a terminology that explains the pathology as a whole. “Torus” is a Latin word meaning protuberance, swelling, or elevation. “Facialis” or “Cingularis” indicates the location where the enamel protuberance is evident on the tooth surface. “Torus Facialis” or “Torus Cingularis” is a scientific terminology that indicates the nature of the pathology, such as a hard tissue protuberance, and the anatomical location of the pathology on the tooth. Therefore, the use of the term “Torus Facialis” or “Torus Cingularis” would be more appropriate compared to talon cusp.
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