[Prevalence of talon cusp in patients aged 7-18].

Talon cusp is an uncommon malformation. The aetiology is unknown although it is thought to be the combination of genetic and environmental factors. The purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence of talon cusps in children aged 7-18. 600 model casts were examined in the Pedodontic and Orthodontic Department of the Semmelweis University. Classification of talon cusps used was based on the degree of formation and extension by Hattab et al [6]. 12 talon cusps were found in the group of type 1, two were found in group of type 2 and one in type 3. The prevalence of talon cusps was 2.5%, mostly on the upper permanent lateral incisors. In four cases it was bilateral. The prevalence of talon cusps was more frequent in males compared to females. The early recognition of the anomaly is important from the therapeutic point of view (placement of sealant, periodic reduction of the cusp).