DEVELOPMENT OF TOOTH

Embryology: is the branch of biology that

deals with the development of an embryo from
the fertilization of the ovum to the fetus stage.
Patterning- is key in development from the
initial axial specification and ultimately to
the development of dentition.

All the cells of an individual stem from the

zygote. The cells differentiate into
populations that have particular functions,
shapes and rates of turnover. Such a
population of cells is called
compartmentalized. Successive generations
of cells in a compartment may remain
constant or differentiate…

Differentiate- cells change their

 Formation of a
three layered embryo
Formation of neural tube
 NEURAL CREST CELLS

As the neural tube forms, a group of cells

separate from the neuroectoderm

Cells- have the capacity to migrate and

differentiate extensively within developing
embryo

In avian embryo- they differentiate and

separate at the crest of neural folds  hence,
Neural Crest Cells

In mammalian embryo, cells separate from

lateral aspect of the neural plate rather than
Neural crest cells form: Cranial and sensory
ganglia and nerves, adrenal medulla,
ectomesenchyme, bones and skull, dentine,
periodontal ligament, alveolar bone

Embryonic connective tissue - other parts of

body- mesenchyme, whereas in head-
ectomesenchyme.

In Treacher Collins syndrome- full facial

development does not occur because the
neural crest cells fail to migrate properly to
the facial regions. All tooth tissues (except
enamel) are derived from neural crest cells
and their depletion prevents proper dental
 Folding of the Embryo
Folding of embryo takes place in two planes,
rostrocaudal and lateral axis.

Head fold is crucial to the formation of a

primitive stomatodeum or oral cavity.

Through this fold, ectoderm comes to line

the stomatodeum, with the stomatodeum
separated from the foregut by
buccopharyngeal membrane.
HOW TOOTH DEVELOPMENT
INITIATES
During the development of embryo, there is formation
of 3 layers:
1) ECTODERM
2) ENDODERM
3) MESODERM

The primitive oral cavity or stomodeum is lined by

stratified squamous epithelium called oral
ectoderm.
 Flat cells Columnar cells

ECTODERM
( [Link].E. )
Stomodeu
m
MESODER Basement
M membrane
Connectiv
e tissue

Ectoder
m
Neural Crest
Cells
Dental
lamina
Future dental
papilla
Stomodeu
m
The oral ectoderm contacts the endoderm of
the foregut to form the buccopharyngeal
membrane.

At about the 27th day of gestation this

membrane ruptures and the primitive oral
cavity establishes a connection with the
foregut.

The underlying connective tissue cells are

ectomesenchymal in origin and instruct the
overlying ectoderm to start tooth
development, which begins anteriorly and
proceeds posteriorly.
The morphogenesis of teeth &
development of dentition involve a number
of closely related processes.

The dental arches are in the shape of horse

shoe

At 6 weeks IUL certain areas of basal cells

of the oral ectoderm proliferate more
rapidly than the adjacent areas. This is
called the primary epithelial band
Primary epithelial band is a band of epithelium
that has invaded the underlying ectomesenchyme
along each of the horse shoe shaped future dental
arches

At 7th week IUL the primary epithelial band divides

into an inner/ lingual process Dental lamina; and
an outer/ buccal process  Vestibular lamina

At certain points along the dental lamina,

ectodermal cells multiply and form little knobs
that grow into underlying mesenchyme. These
knobs represent the primordium for the
ectodermal portion of deciduous tooth.
As cell proliferation continues, enamel organ
increases in size, sinks deeper into
ectomesenchyme and due to differential growth
changes its shape.

The first enamel organ to appear are of

anterior mandibular region.

The successors of the deciduous teeth develop

from a lingual extension of the free end of
dental lamina called the successional lamina

It develops from 5 mnth IU for central incisor to

10 mnth of age for second premolar
The permanent molars arise from a distal
extension of the dental lamina

First permanent molar is initiated at 4 mnth

IUL, second molar at 1 year of age and
third molar at 4- 5 years of age.

The distal proliferation causes the tooth

germs to be located in the ramus of the
mandible and in the amxillary tuberosity
STAGES OF TOOTH
DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH

STAGES OF TOOTH DEVELOPMENT MAY BE

DESCRIBED ACCORDING TO:
1- Changes in the morphology of the
developing tooth germ
(MORPHOLOGICAL STAGES)

2- Its physiological changes

(HISTOPHYSIOLOGICAL STAGES).
 MORPHOLOGICAL STAGES
1- DENTAL LAMINA.
2- BUD-STAGE.
3- CAP-STAGE.
4- BELL-STAGE
(EARLY AND LATE).
Early Late
 HISTOPHYSIOLOGICAL
STAGES

1- INITIATION.
2- PROLIFERATION.
3- HISTO-DIFFERENTIATION.
4- MORPHO-
DIFFERENTIATION.
5- APPOSITION.
1-DENTAL LAMINA

Flat cells

ECTODERM Columnar cells

( [Link].E. )

Basement
MESODERM membrane

(Connective
tissue)
 The stomodeum is lined with ectoderm

 induction of ectodermal tissues by the developing

mesenchyme

 -mechanisms remain unknown

 -at 6 weeks, certain areas of basal cells of the oral

ectoderm proliferate more rapidly than the adjacent
cells. This gives rise to the primary epithelial band.

 - Primary epithelial band- band of epithelium that

invades ectomesenchyme along the horse shoe
shaped future dental arches
 -it has two subdivisions: vestibular lamina and
dental lamina
 -the dental lamina grows deep into the
mesenchyme. The ingrowths represent the future
sites for each deciduous tooth
 -the vestibular lamina cells rapidly enlarge and
then degenerate – forms a cleft that becomes the
vestibule of the oral cavity

The dental lamina is surrounded by

mesenchyme which contains neural crest cells
that have migrated to the area

-a basement membrane separates the

developing oral epithelium and mesenchyme
Primary epithelial bands: Horseshoe-shaped
bands that appear approximately around the 37th
day of development, one for each jaw.
-there are two subdivisions: vestibular lamina and
dental lamina
-the dental lamina grows deep into the
mesenchyme
-develops in the future spot for the dental arches
-the ingrowths represent the future sites for each
deciduous tooth
-the vestibular lamina cells rapidly enlarge and then
degenerate – forms a cleft that becomes the
vestibule of the oral cavity
DENTAL LAMINA
1 2

EPITHELIAL
PROLIFRATION

Dental
lamina

MESENCHYMAL
CONDENSATIO
N
 FUNCTIONS OF THE DENTAL
LAMINA

1- Initiation Of The Entire Deciduous Dentition ( 2 MIU).

2- Initiation Of The Permanent Successors ( 5 MIU for

Central Incisors, 10 MIU for Second Premolars).

3- Initiation Of The Permanent Molars ( First Molar 4

MIU., Second Molar 1 Year, Third Molar 4 Years)

It is thus evident that the activity of the dental lamina

extends over a period of about five years and
disintegrates completely or remains as epithelial rests
of Serres.
SUCCESSIONAL DENTAL
LAMINA
Develop from the
lingual extension of
the free end of the
dental lamina,
opposite to enamel
organ of each
deciduous tooth
Develops from 5th
month iul to10th
month of age.
2-BUD STAGE

EPITHELIAL
PROLIFRATION

MESENCHYMAL
CONDENSATION
Round or ovoid swelling arise from basement
membrane at ten different points, corresponding to
future teeth.

These are primordia of enamel organ- the tooth bud

The dental lamina is shallow

The bud consists of peripherally located low columnar

cells and centrally located polygonal cells.
Cells of the tooth bud and the surrounding
mesenchyme undergo mitosis. As a result
of increased mitotic activity and migration of
neural crest cells into the ectomesenchyme,
its cells condense.

The area of ectomesenchymal condensation

immediately subjacent to enamel organ is
the dental papilla

The condensed ectomesenchyme

surrounding tooth bud and dental papilla is
the dental sac/ follicle- gives rise to
supporting structures of tooth.
BUD STAGE TO CAP STAGE
TOOTH
GERM

1-
DENTAL
ORGAN

2-
DENTAL
PAPILLA
3-
DENTAL
SAC
 CAP STAGETOOTH
GERM

1-
DENTAL
ORGAN

3- 2-
DENTAL DENTAL
SAC PAPILLA
As the epithelial bud continues to proliferate
into ectomesenchyme, cellular density
adjacent to this outgrowth increases further.

The ectomesenchymal cells fail to produce

extracellular substance and thus do not
separate.

As the tooth bud grows larger, it drags the

dental lamina deeper into ectomesenchyme

The epithelial outgrowth sitting on a ball of

condensed ectomesenchyme is referred to
as dental organ/enamel organ.
Enamel organ, dental papilla and dental
follicle constitute the dental organ.

Important developmental changes begin

late in cap stage and continue during
transition of tooth germ from cap to bell-
histodifferentiation.

Through histodifferentiation, a mass of

similar epithelial cells transform into
morphologically and functionally distinct
components.
STRUCTURES IN ENAMEL ORGAN:

Outer and inner enamel epithelium: OEE- cuboidal

cells; IEE- tall columnar cells.

Stellate reticulum:
• polygonal cells in centre of enamel organ secrete
glycosaminoglycans.
• Water gets drawn into enamel organ from
surrounding dental papilla. Thus the cells separate
maintaining connection by cytoplasmic processes 
star shaped, hence stellate reticulum.
• Stellate reticulum has cushion like consistency and
acts as a shock absorber protecting the enamel
forming cells.
 CAP STAGE
Histological structure of the tooth germ

Outer D. 1-Dental organ

E.
Stellate
R.
Enamel
Enamel
cord
knot

Inner D. E.
Cell free
zone

3-Dental sac

2-Dental papilla
 Enamel
C cord

A
P Inner Enamel
Epithelium

S
T
A
G Cell Free
E Zone
 Temporary structures
 Enamel knot
 Enamel cord
 Enamel niche

Transitionary structures as they disappear before enamel

formation begins
Enamel Knot
 Cells in the centre of
enamel organ become
densely packed- enamel
knot.
 It projects partly towards
the dental papilla & has a
knob like projection
upwards.
 The enamel knot signals
+ mesenchymal signals 
regulating the patterning
of the cusps & the shape
of the tooth crown.
 It also acts as a reservoir
of dividing cells for the
growing enamel organ
Enamel Cord
A vertical extension of the
enamel knot is called as the
Enamel Cord.
When the enamel cord
extends to meet the outer
enamel epithelium  Enamel
Septum: divides the stellate
reticulum into two parts.
OEE at the point of meeting
shows a small depression –
Enamel Navel, as it
resembles the umbilicus.
Function- reservoir of dividing
cells for the growing enamel
organ.
Enamel Niche
It is seen where the
tooth germ has
double attachment
to the dental
lamina – the lateral
& the medial stands
– causing funnel
shape of connective
tissue
 BELL STAGE
As the invagination of epithelium deepens and
the margins continue to grow, the enamel
organ assumes a bell shape.
Crown shape is determined
Crown shape is because of pressure…..
Crown shape is because of differential rates of
mitoses and differences in cell differentiation
time.
4-EARLY BELL STAGE
Histological structure of the tooth germ

Dental Sac

Inner Enamel
Epithelium

Odontobla
sts
 Continuation of histodifferentiation and
morphodifferentiation

 differentiation produces four types of cells within the

enamel/dental organ
1. inner enamel epithelium
2. outer enamel epithelium
3. stellate reticulum
4. stratum intermedium

 the dental papilla undergoes differentiation and

produces two types of cells
1. outer cells of the DP – forms the dentin-
secreting cells (odontoblasts)
2. central cells of the DP – forms the primordium
of the pulp

 dental sac/follicle increases its collagen content and

differentiates at a later stage than the EO and DP
 EARLY BELL STAGE
Histological structure of the tooth germ

ODE

SI

DP

SR

OB

IDE
outer enamel epithelium (OEE) – cuboidal shape
protective barrier during enamel production

may also be called the outer dental epithelium

At the end of bell stage, just prior to formation of enamel,

the formerly smooth surface of OEE folds.

In between the folds – papillae of capillary loops- provides

rich nutritional supply to the avascular enamel organ for its

intense metabolic activity.
Compensates for loss of nutritional supply from dental

papilla
Folding of Outer enamel epithelium and collapse of
stellate reticulum
inner enamel epithelium (OEE) – columnar shape
 short, columnar cells

 differentiates into the enamel secreting cells = ameloblasts

 Ameloblasts- tall columnar cells, 4-5 microns in diameter, 40 microns high

 separated from the dental papilla below it by a basement membrane

 may also be called the inner dental epithelium

 the IEE and OEE are continuous region where they connect – curved rim

of the EO = cervical loop

 Crown shape is because of differential rates of mitoses and differences in

cell differentiation time.

stratum intermedium
A few layers of squamous cells in between the IEE and

stellate reticulum
Cells are closely attached to each other and to cells of

stellate reticulum and IEE by desmosomes

It has well developed cytoplasmic organelles, acid

mucopolysaccharides -high degree of metabolic activity.

essential for formation of enamel
stellate reticulum
star-shaped cells in many layers

SR expands with increase in the intercellular fluid

center of the enamel organ forms a network = reticulum

supports production of enamel

Before enamel formation begins, the stellate reticulum collapses,

reducing the distance between ameloblasts and the nutrient

capillaries near the outer enamel epithelium
Its cells are indistinguishable from sratum intermedium
Dental lamina
Dental lamina extends lingually to give rise to enamel organs
of permanent successors- Successional lamina.
EO of deciduous teeth in bell stage have succesional lamina
of permanent successor teeth in bud stage.

Dental Papilla
Dental papilla is enclosed in the invaginated portion of the
enamel organ.
Before IEE produces enamel, peripheral cells of dental papilla
differentiates into odontoblasts under the organising
influence of IEE.
First they assume cuboidal form and then columnar and
acquire potential to produce dentine.
 Basement membrane between IEE and DP prior to formation of dentine
is called membrana performitiva.

stellate reticulum
star-shaped cells in many layers

SR expands with increase in the intercellular fluid

center of the enamel organ forms a network = reticulum

supports production of enamel

Before enamel formation begins, the stellate reticulum collapses,

reducing the distance between ameloblasts and the nutrient

capillaries near the outer enamel epithelium
Its cells are indistinguishable from sratum intermedium
EARLY BELL STAGE
Histological structure of the tooth germ
DENTAL LAMINA
PROPER

LDL

Cervical
loop
SUCCESSIONAL LAMINA
DENTAL LAMINA
PROPER

SUCCESSIONA
L LAMINA

SUCCESSOR
PRIMORDIUM

LATERAL
DO DENTAL
LAMINA
Advanced bell stage
Commencement of mineralisation and root formation

The boundary between IEE and DP marks the future Dentino-

enamel junction
Dentine is formed first as a layer along the future DEJ, beginning

at cusp tip proceeding pulpally and apically

The ameloblasts (that have already formed from IEE) lay down

enamel in the cusp tip area, progressing coronally and cervically

Cervical portion of EO forms Hertwigs epithelial root sheath,

that determines shape, size, length and number of roots.

5-ADVANCED BELL STAG
Histological structure of the tooth germ
5-ADVANCED BELL STAG
Histological structure of the tooth germ

STRATUM
INTER.

STELLATE
RETICULUM

INNER
DENT. PREDENTIN
EPITH.

ODONTOBLAST
S
ADVANCED BELL STAGE
Histological structure of the tooth germ

OB
PD DS

D
E

DP
ODE

SR
PULP
SI

AB
 ADVANCED BELL STAGE
Histological structure of the tooth germ

E
D

AB
PD

SR
OB

PULP SI

ASG
 NOTE
EARLY ADVANCE
D

ASG
 FUNCTIONS
OF THE ENAMEL ORGAN
1- OUTER ENAMEL EPITHELIUM.
. Active transport of materials specially,
after hard dental tissues formation.
2- STELLATE RETICULUM.
a- Act as a buffer against physical forces
that may distort the configurations of the
developing amelodentinal junction giving rise
to gross morphological changes.
b- It permit a limited flow of nutritional
elements from the outlying blood vessels to the
formative cells, so it acts as a store house for
the nutritive materials.
3-STRATUM INTERMEDIUM. The function of
this layer is not understood:
a- It is believed to control fluid diffusion into
and out of the ameloblasts.
b- It provides the enamel organ with alkaline
phosphatase enzyme needed for mineralization.
c- These cells plus the inner dental epithelium
are considered as a single functional unit
responsible for enamel formation.

4- INNER ENAMEL EPITHELIUM.

a- It exerts an organizing influence on the
undifferentiated cells of the dental papilla to
differentiate into odontoblasts.
b- Transport of the nutritive materials from the
 c- Arranged in a pattern to determine the future morphology
of the amelodentinal junction and the crown.
d- It lays down enamel matrix and helps in its mineralization.
e- It shares in the root formation.
f- It secretes primary enamel cuticle, after the full thickness
of enamel is deposited, to protect the enamel of the unerupted
tooth aginest resorpton and preventing precepitation of
cementum.
g- It shares in the formation of the reduced enamel
epithelium.
FUNCTIONS OF THE DENTAL
PAPILLA AND DENTAL SAC

The Dental
The Dental Papilla
Papilla Gives
Gives Rise
Rise
To Dentin
To Dentin And
And Dental
Dental Pulp.
Pulp.
The Dental
The Dental Sac
Sac Gives
Gives Rise
Rise The
The
Cementum,
Cementum, Periodontal
Periodontal
Ligament And
Ligament And Alveolar
Alveolar Bone
Bone
Proper.
Proper.
ROOT FORMATION
 Development of root begins
after enamel and dentin
formation has reached future
CEJ
 Enamel organ at the cervical
loop forms Hertwigs Epithelial
Root Sheath (HERS) by
extension of outer and inner
enamel epithelium.
 HERS molds the shape of roots
and initiates radicular dentine
formation
 Cells of inner enamel
epithelium remain short and
do not produce enamel.
 IEE induces differentiation of
radicular dental papilla cells
into odontoblasts  first layer
of dentin is laid down
 The epithelial root sheath
becomes discontinuous . The
remnants persist as network
of strands and clumps near
surface of root. These
epithelial remnants in
periodontal ligament of
erupted teeth are called as
rests of malassez.
 HERS bends at the future CEJ into horizontal plane narrowing the
cervical opening- epithelial diaphragm

 Free end of diaphragm doesn’t grow into connective tissue but

epithelium proliferates coronal to epithelial diaphragm

 Differentiation of odontoblast & formation of dentin follow lengthening of

root sheath.
 The dental sac tissue surrounds the root sheath , invades the double
epithelial layer, dividing it into network of epithelial strands.
 Epithelium is moved away from dentine, dental sac comes in
contact with outer surface of dentine and differentiates into
cementoblasts  cementum.
 In the last stage, apical foramen is narrowed by apposition of dentin
and cementum to the apex of root.
MULTIROOTED TOOTH
Differential growth
of epithelial
diaphragm in
multirooted teeth
causes division of
root trunk into 2/3
roots