What are the Stages of Tooth Formation and Development?

Teeth begin in the womb and continue to develop after birth. The main foundation of the tooth is dentin. Dentin is covered with enamel in the crown and cementum in the root.

Dentin is a living structure and consists of 70% mineral salts, 20% organic matter and 10% water.

How Many Parts Does a Tooth Consist Of?

First of all, the parts of the tooth are divided into two, crown and root. While the crown contains the border of enamel, dentin and cementum, the root consists of dentin and cementum layers. The crown is the only visible part in the mouth and forms the upper part of the tooth.

Embryological and Postnatal Development of Teeth

‌We saw the formation of teeth in the first paragraph. Approximately in the 6th week of life, areas with increased mobility appear in the basal layer of the fetal oral epithelium and growth occurs in the areas where dental arches develop in the future. This increase and expansion ensures the formation of the dental lamina, where the tooth germ will later form.

‌The stomodeum (primitive mouth) forms in the 3rd week of intrauterine life. The beginning of the formation of teeth coincides with the 6th week of embryonic life.

‌With birth, the growth and development process continues in the tissues in the mouth, as in the entire body. The teeth, which complete their development process in the gum, begin to move towards the gum surface between the 4th and 7th months. First, the front incisors begin to appear in the lower jaw.

‌Stages of Tooth Development

Initial stage (6-7 weeks)

Bud stage (8 weeks)

Hat stage (9-10 weeks)

Bell stage (11-12 weeks)
Apposition stage (varies with each tooth)
Maturation stage (varies with each tooth)

It should not be forgotten that tooth development is a complex and biological process that is continuous. It is not possible to make a definitive distinction in development stages.