primary tooth morphology and chronology

Question 1

what complications may arise before teeth even erupt?

Answer 1

gingival cysts / Epstein’s pearls

congenital epulis

natal or neonatal teeth

eruption cysts

none require treatment unless interfering with feeding / mucosa

Question 2

how may resorption of the bone above a tooth crown before eruption occur?

Answer 2

dental follicle enzymes causing resorption and osteoclastic activity initiated

dark halo on a radiograph

Question 3

how long does eruption last? what may stop it?

Answer 3

forever, until it reaches a stop, e.g. the opposing tooth on the upper arch

continues to compensate for the growth of jaws

Question 4

order of eruption for primary teeth?

Answer 4

1,2,4,3,5

Question 5

eruption dates for primary teeth?

Answer 5

Centrals 4-6 months

laterals 7-16 months

first molars 13-19 months

canines 16-22 months

second primary molars 15-33 months

Question 6

why may there be space between central / lateral anterior teeth?

Answer 6

space required for the eruption of larger permanent incisors, no space means often crowding will occur in the permanent dentition.