Tooth Development from Start to Finish

We all remember as kids, the way are teeth came, left, and
then came again. However, we never really understood the
how and why of this remarkable process. We remember the
fear of losing teeth. We remember the pain and the
wondering of why. We remember the fairy tales that
surround losing teeth as a child. This article will help
illustrate how the process works from a highly medical
standpoint.

Genetics plays an important role in the existence and
development of teeth. It determines when teeth come in and
what they look like. Additional environmental factors and
the mother's condition during the nine month pregnancy have
an effect. Other than that, what you see is what you get.

Baby Teeth

They are known as primary or deciduous teeth. Generally,
the lower teeth appear before the upper teeth. The primary
front teeth are called central and lateral incisors and
usually arrive by the time the child is one. The next teeth
to arrive are the primary first molars followed by the
primary cuspids and then the primary second molars. All
twenty baby teeth usually arrive by the time a child
reaches three years of age.

Adult Teeth

They are known as secondary or permanent dentition. The
permanent front central and lateral incisors emerge shortly
after the primary front teeth fall out. This usually occurs
between the ages of six and eight. Prior to this, permanent
first molars arrive around ages six or seven. The primary
molars are replaces with permanent premolars between the
age of ten and twelve. Adult cuspids arrive between the
ages of nine and twelve. Permanent second molars arrive
between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

No-Show Teeth

They are teeth that never develop. Common missing teeth are
the adult laterals incisors, bicuspids and third molars.

Wisdom Teeth

They are known as third molars. They may or may not emerge
from the gums, depending upon their position. If they grow
sideways or angled, they may not appear at all because they
are impacted. If they grow straight and there is enough
room in the mouth to accommodate them, they can appear
between the age of seventeen and twenty-one.

Supernumary Teeth

They are extra teeth. Usually found in the middle of the
upper central teeth. This is called mesiodens.

As with any issues involving teeth, please consult with an
experienced dentist in your local area. There is no
substitute for highly skilled dental care. Failure to seek
immediate care may have detrimental effects.

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Dr. Siegel is a Chicago area dentist treating patients for
more than 20 years. For more information, visit
http://www.chicago-dental.com .