Accessory cusp: Cusp of carabelli - A brief review

Cusp of Carabelli is a supplemental cusp found lingual to the mesiolingual cusp, which merely acts as a buttress or as a supplement to the bulk of mesiolingual cusp. However, their incidences differ depending on the type and the tooth affected. Varaiations in the size of this cusp range from its being the largest cusp of the tooth to a barely noticeable elevation. Although its presence may not be a cause for alarm in most instances, nevertheless it can lead to serious consequences if it is damaged. The models which include genetic and environmental factors for the manifestation of Carabelli'strait have been highlighted. A note on the racial distribution and its variations has been discussed.