Teeth Formation Introduction
Teeth, essential for digestion, begin forming prenatally. By the sixth week of pregnancy, tooth development, odontogenesis, commences, starting with the primary, or 'baby,' teeth.
Dental Lamina Formation
Tooth formation starts with the dental lamina, a band of epithelial tissue. This tissue will give rise to tooth buds, where enamel and dentin generating cells differentiate.
Tooth Bud Differentiation
Each tooth bud splits into three parts: the enamel organ, the dental papilla, and the dental sac. These differentiate into enamel, dentin, and cementum, respectively.
Amelogenesis: Enamel Creation
Ameloblasts, derived from the enamel organ, construct enamel, the hardest substance in the body. Enamel's unique prismatic structure is crucial for its hardness.
Dentin and Pulp Formation
Dentin forms from the dental papilla through odontoblasts, which lay down dentin matrix prenatally. The dental pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, essential for tooth vitality.
Cementum and Periodontal Attachment
Cementum, covering the tooth root, anchors it to the alveolar bone via the periodontal ligament. This ligament absorbs chewing forces, protecting the tooth structure.
Eruption and Lifelong Cycle
Primary teeth erupt around six months of age; permanent teeth follow around six years. Teeth continually change, affected by diet, care, and age-related wear.Toothed Fish Discovery
Remarkably, some fish can replace teeth endlessly, showcasing nature's incredible adaptability to survival needs.
When does odontogenesis begin?
At birth
Sixth week of pregnancy
First year of life
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