Cusp of Carabelli. This can range from just a pit or groove to a full-out extra cusp. Most often found on the lingual side of the maxillary first molar. May occassionally occur on the maxillary second molar. Most frequent among people of European descent.
My cusps of Carabelli happen to be of the very large variety. I literally have an extra cusp dangling off the lingual side of the tooth. See red arrows in picture. My ortho said that he'd be banding my molars. How the heck is he going to get the band around this? Anybody have large cusps of Carabelli with molar bands?
Talon Cusp (dens evaginatus). Extra cusp on the lingual surface of the anterior teeth. Most often occurs on the maxillary lateral incisors, but also occurs on the central incisors and canines. It's a fairly rare trait (varies among populations, but highest frequency reported in any population is 7%). It arises from the base of the tooth near the gum, and extends toward the incisive surface of the tooth. It gives the teeth more of a T shape in cross-section, rather than just a flat shape.
I have these on both of my maxillary lateral incisors and (possibly) canines. See black arrows in picture. I've read that they can cause problems with bite, because the lower teeth can hit the extra cusps and cause damage. I guess I've never had that problem because of my overjet. I'm wondering what's going to happen when I get that fixed.... In some places I've read that they should be removed (which can be problematic, because the pulp cavity can extend into them, and removal then requires a root canal (and therefore "killing" the tooth). I've also read that you should just leave them alone. I don't think anybody really knows. Anybody out there have any experience with these???
