Carabelli

Carabelli refers to a dental morphology known as the Carabelli cusp or cusp of Carabelli. It is an accessory cusp on the maxillary first permanent molar and is not present in all individuals.

Anatomy and appearance: The Carabelli cusp appears on the lingual (tongue-side) surface of the maxillary first molar, usually in the mesiolingual region near the main cusp row. It can present as a small tubercle, a groove, or a pit, and its size ranges from barely noticeable to well developed. The trait is considered a variation of normal dental anatomy rather than a pathology.

Prevalence and variation: The presence of the Carabelli trait varies widely among populations. It is reported with notable frequency in many European populations and is less common in some African and East Asian groups. Estimates of occurrence range from a minority to around half of individuals in certain samples, reflecting genetic and developmental influences.

Significance: The Carabelli trait is of interest in dental anthropology and forensic odontology as a marker of human population variation and individual identification. It is generally considered nonpathological and does not typically affect tooth function; in most cases it is a cosmetic or developmental variation rather than a clinical concern.

History and naming: The cusp is named after a 19th-century dentist who first described the phenomenon in human dentition. The term Carabelli cusp is widely used in dental literature to distinguish this specific morphological variant.