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Teeth

Teeth

The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...

Tooth Anatomy

Tooth Anatomy

The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.

Incomplete Dominance

Incomplete Dominance

Gregor Mendel's work (1822 - 1884) was primarily focused on pea plants. Through his initial experiments, he determined that every gene in a diploid cell has two variants called alleles inherited from each parent. He suggested that amongst these two alleles, one allele is dominant in character and the other recessive. The combination of alleles determines the phenotype of a gene in an organism.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Analysis of Developing Tooth Germ Innervation Using Microfluidic Co-culture Devices

Analysis of Developing Tooth Germ Innervation Using Microfluidic Co-culture Devices

Published on: August 14, 2015

Molecular genetics of tooth development.

¹Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02129, USA. mbei@partners.org

Current Opinion in Genetics & Development

|October 31, 2009

Summary

Understanding embryonic tooth development and molecular pathways is crucial for regenerative medicine. This knowledge aids in reprogramming cells for potential tooth regeneration, addressing the lack of adult stem cells.

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The Slice Culture Method for Following Development of Tooth Germs In Explant Culture

The Slice Culture Method for Following Development of Tooth Germs In Explant Culture

Published on: November 13, 2013

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Analysis of Developing Tooth Germ Innervation Using Microfluidic Co-culture Devices

Analysis of Developing Tooth Germ Innervation Using Microfluidic Co-culture Devices

Published on: August 14, 2015

The Slice Culture Method for Following Development of Tooth Germs In Explant Culture

The Slice Culture Method for Following Development of Tooth Germs In Explant Culture

Published on: November 13, 2013

Area of Science:

Developmental Biology
Regenerative Medicine
Molecular Biology

Background:

Organogenesis relies on coordinated molecular pathways for cell type generation and patterning.
Tooth development offers a model system to study complex pattern formation and cell fate determination.
Adult human teeth lack readily available stem cells, necessitating cell reprogramming for regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the molecular mechanisms governing tooth patterning during embryonic development.
To understand protein interactions that control cell fate determination in organogenesis.
To provide foundational knowledge for future tooth organ regeneration strategies.

Main Methods:

Analysis of molecular pathways in embryonic tooth development.
Studies utilizing model organisms and human genetic data.
Investigating protein interactions critical for pattern formation.

Main Results:

Identified key molecular events regulating cell type generation and patterning in teeth.
Elucidated protein interaction networks involved in tooth-specific pattern formation.
Highlighted the importance of embryonic patterning for cell fate specificity.

Conclusions:

Fundamental understanding of embryonic tooth patterning is essential for regenerative approaches.
Knowledge gained can inform strategies for reprogramming cells for tooth de novo creation.
This research contributes to advancing regenerative medicine and understanding organogenesis.