Anatomical Insights: Two Case Reports on Protostylid Variants and Literature Synthesis

Protostylids are an anatomical variant of the paramolar tubercle, which refers to the presence of an additional cusp in the buccal surfaces of maxillary and mandibular bicuspids and molars. This structure, first reported by Dahlberg in 1950, is found in low frequencies and plays a significant role in dental anthropology. This anatomical variant, if present poses a threat to dental caries and periodontal diseases and hence requires early diagnosis and preventive dental care. Two cases of protostylids that were reported during dental consultations at a primary health care center in Semmencheri, Chennai are presented in this article with an attempt to educate on the presence of such trait so that dental professionals can identify and plan preventive dental care at the earliest.