Development of Tooth and Associated Structures

Teeth develop as epithelial-mesenchymal organs in context with the surrounding structures, particularly the alveolar (and jaw) bone. There is a dynamic in the development of both structures; moreover, the tooth mesenchyme contributes directly to formation of the bone tissue. Additionally, the bone undergoes an active remodeling as the tooth grows, and the balance of both structures must be re-established after eruption and maintained throughout the functional life of dentition. In this chapter, the molecular signals regulating tooth initiation and morphogenesis are described to explain patterning of the odontogenic region, terminal differentiation and mineralization of the dental structures, and prevention of mineralization of the soft parts as the dental pulp. The basic principles of bone remodeling are introduced, and the interactions between the tooth and bone summarized. The mouse dentition, as the most common model in odontogenesis research, is used to explain the events accompanying odontogenesis, along with osteogenesis and bone remodeling, and to outline the major disorders found in humans.