A histologic study of human tooth development
Date
1976
DOI
Authors
Rosenberg, Robert J.
Version
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
A series of eleven human fetuses were examined histologically with respect to tooth development. The fetuses ranged in age from thirteen to twenty-eight weeks in utero. The fetal jaws were dissected from the oral cavity and divided into quadrants. They were prepared for histologic sectioning which was accomplished in sagittal, transverse, and coronal planes. The slides were then stained with one of the following: Harris’ hematoxylin and cosin, the Goldman-Bloom connective tissue modification, or Lillie's allochrome stain.
Microscopic examination was performed on the serially sectioned fetal teeth. A number of aspects of the developmental process were of particular interest. The role of the dental lamina, both during and after the initiation of mineralization of the crowns was such an area. Special staining of the basement membrane adjacent to tissues of epithelial origin was accomplished. This resulted in new findings with respect to the basement membrane of the developing dental organ. Attention was given to the vascular supply of the fetal teeth and jaws in order to determine the origin of the blood supply to the dental pulp.
The nature of the calcific processes involved in tooth development could be followed in many of the young teeth. The ages of initial calcification and the sequence of cuspal mineralization in the posterior teeth was recorded. This data was compared with that of other investigators.
Extracted teeth were examined histologically and macroscopically in order to gain greater insight into the nature of root formation. Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath was found in the teeth with incompletely formed root apices and compared histoIogically with the fetal tissues.
Based on the fetal sections and the extracted teeth, several theories concerning root formation are presented. The literature pertaining to this area is reviewed and integrated with the new information concerning tooth development.
Description
Thesis (D.Sc.D.)--Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry (Endodontics) 1976.
Includes bibliography.
Includes bibliography.
License
This work is being made available in OpenBU by permission of its author, and is available for research purposes only. All rights are reserved to the author.