Review of the Embryology of the Teeth

The embryology of the teeth was briefly covered in a previous review in this series. This present review addresses this embryology in more detail. The development of the teeth is a highly orchestrated, complex process that is the result of reciprocal inductions between the overlying first branchial arch oral cavity ectoderm, from which the cells that produce the enamel will develop, and the neural crest ectomesenchyme, from which the remaining tooth elements will arise. Early in development, the tooth germ grows and expands, and those cells that will form the mineralized components of the teeth differentiate. Once these formative cells differentiate, formation and mineralization of the dentin and enamel matrices occur. Eventually, the completed tooth will erupt into the oral cavity, and during eruption, the tooth roots become surrounded by the periodontal ligament, cementum, and supporting alveolar bone. There is also a discussion that notes some of the various abnormalities that can affect the teeth.

Learning Objective: The reader will understand the current theory as to how the human tooth configuration arose, as well as the embryology and anatomy of the teeth, the process of tooth eruption, alterations in the number and morphology of the teeth, and inflammatory conditions.