Tooth development and dental anatomy: talon cusp: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Tooth development and dental anatomy: talon cusp

Sample item

A child has an extra cusp-like projection on the palatal surface of a permanent maxillary lateral incisor, giving a T-shaped appearance on a radiograph. What is this anomaly called?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Talon cusp

A talon cusp is an accessory cusp on the cingulum area of an anterior tooth, shaped like an eagle's talon, seen on the palatal surface of maxillary incisors. It may contain pulp horn tissue and cause occlusal interference and caries in the groove. Dens evaginatus affects mainly premolar occlusal surfaces.

Option by option

  • A. Talon cusp (correct)

    Correct. A palatal accessory cusp on an incisor is a talon cusp.

  • B. Cusp of Carabelli

    The cusp of Carabelli is on the palatal surface of the maxillary first molar.

  • C. Dens evaginatus

    Dens evaginatus is an occlusal tubercle, most often on premolars.

  • D. Enamel pearl

    An enamel pearl is a small nodule of enamel on a root surface.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is A, Talon cusp. A talon cusp is an accessory cusp on the cingulum area of an anterior tooth, shaped like an eagle's talon, seen on the palatal surface of maxillary incisors.

Why is "Cusp of Carabelli" not the answer?

The cusp of Carabelli is on the palatal surface of the maxillary first molar.

Why is "Dens evaginatus" not the answer?

Dens evaginatus is an occlusal tubercle, most often on premolars.

Why is "Enamel pearl" not the answer?

An enamel pearl is a small nodule of enamel on a root surface.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Tooth development and dental anatomy: talon cusp in Dentistry. It may contain pulp horn tissue and cause occlusal interference and caries in the groove. Dens evaginatus affects mainly premolar occlusal surfaces.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Tooth development and dental anatomy: talon cusp?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.