title: The prophylactic reduction of cusps--is it desirable?
abstract: In the opinion of some authors cusps are functionally efficient when worn down: others view cusps as efficient structures in themselves which should be retained. Such opinions are reviewed, and some conclusions drawn as to whether cusps should be retained or imitated when restoring an occlusion.
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Owen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent; D004032:Diet; D006801:Humans; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000209:etiology; D008409:Mastication; D008963:Molar / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D014072:Tooth Abrasion / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D014078:Tooth Eruption