The retrocuspid papillae

1. One of a number of normal gingival entities that resemble pathologic symptoms is described and referred to as the retrocuspid papilla because of its characteristic position lingual to the mandibular cuspid. 2. This papilla is evidently a normal entity because of its presence in over 99 per cent of a group of more than one hundred children. 3. It is considered an anatomic landmark because of its constantly definite relationship to the cuspid in the normal dental arch. 4. The findings of a survey of patients in several age groups from childhood to old age are presented, indicating a gradual but definite progressive disappearance of the papilla with increased age. 5. A histologic report based on the examination of fifty-eight sections from fourteen biopsies, is presented. 6. The papilla varies in size and form and simulates corresponding pathologic gingival manifestations from which it must be differentiated. It is for this reason principally that the presentation of this report is considered pertinent.