Synthesis of teeth

The word "Odontogenesis" comes from Ancient Greek language as two combined sources as follows :

1- Prefix : "odonto", means "tooth". In Greek words, "odous" (ὀδούς). It is used in English biological and medical terminology as refering to teeth.

2- Suffix : "genesis", means origin, birth, producing. In Greek words, "genesis" (γένεσις). It is used in English biological and medical terminology as refering to organic synthesis, formation from the first stages.  

• Epithelial cells.

The oral epithelium, from which enamel organ rises, which in turn has cells that differentiate into ameloblasts.

The mentioned epithelial cells are aggregated in the shape of Epithelial Rests of Malassez, persisting in the periodontium after tooth development.

• Mesenchymal cells.

They form dental papilla and dental follicle that give rise to dental pulp, dentin and periodontium. These cells, DMSCs in particular, are known for being pivotal for tissue regeneration and their differentiation into various cell types involved in tooth formation.

• Signaling molecules.

The orchestrating elements of odontogenesis process, acting as the messengers for regulating cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in the developing tooth. They are presented as signaling pathways including Wnt, Hedgehog (Hh), Fibroblasts growth factors (FGFs), Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and Notch, with each pathway serving a specific aspect of tooth formation.

In order to form a fully developed tooth, 5 main stages take place respectively as follows, with each of them being characterized by distinct morphological changes and cellular differentiations.

1- Initiation 

2- Bud

3- Cap

4- Apposition 

5- Eruption

Information resources

• Concluded from Google knowledge graph, the scientific content released by scientific web platforms including Sciencedirect, Masarykova univerzita, NIH, Nature, Company of Biologists Journals, Mustansiriya University, SpringerLink, and others.

According to the writings of Sarah McKarnon and Laura Gartshore, by the side of TeachMe Anatomy platform, in updation of May 20, 2024; initiation stage begins at the 6th week in utero by the ectomesenchymal cells which are thought to be derived from neural crest cell population, accumulating below oral epithelium. Oral epithelium then proliferates down to ectomesenchyme to form primary epithelial band. At the 7th week in utero, PEB differentiates into vestibular and dental laminae.

Flow Online Release - Founder, Ahmed Mohamed.
Last updated on 17/August 2025.