Talon cusp affects men and women equally, however the majority of reported cases are of the male gender.
Other anomalies that occur with talon cusp can include peg laterals, supernumerary teeth, dens envaginatus, agenesis and impaction.
The formation of the "cusp" is due to excess layering of the internal enamel epithelium and dental papilla into the stellate reticulum.
Talon cusp may occur on its own or associated with other dental anomalies such as mesiodens, odontome, unerupted or impacted teeth, peg-shaped maxillary incisor, dens invaginatus, cleft lip, bilateral gemination, fusion, and supernumerary teeth.
Since many cases of Talon cusp go unreported, it is hard to draw linkage maps but it is safe to assume that dental formation is influenced by genetic factors.
Multiple long-term clinical problems can arise such as occlusal interferences, aesthetic disturbances, loss of pulp vitality, irritation of tongue during mastication and speech, caries and displacement of the affected tooth.
[5] Small talon cusps that produce no symptoms or complication for a person can remain untreated.
Some common treatments include: The condition is usually benign, but it can cause mild irritation to soft tissues around the teeth and the tongue, and if large enough, may pose an aesthetic problem.
In order to prevent any future dental complications, when talon cusp is present due to an early diagnosis it would be best to see a dentist regularly every six months for routine dental checkups, remain under observation, brush and floss properly and undergo regular topical applications of fluoride gel to prevent caries and to promote enamel strength.
[5][11] Other researchers are attempting to trace talon cusp to ancestors and comparing dentition to modern humans.
Another study done in 2007 examined the dentition of 301 Native American Indian skeletons for the presence or absence of talon cusp.
[1] It appears that as of 2014 and 2015,[13] additional research continues in hopes of finding the cause and mechanism of talon cusp.