During what process do primary teeth develop?

The development of primary teeth occurs during the process known as histodifferentiation. This stage is crucial as it involves the differentiation of dental tissues where the cells begin to specialize into the various types of cells that will form the tooth structures, such as enamel, dentin, and pulp. Histodifferentiation sets the foundation for the subsequent stages of tooth development, enabling the formation of the specific tissues with distinct characteristics.

In contrast, calcification refers to the process where these specialized cells begin to harden and solidify the tooth structure as minerals accumulate. While important, it follows histodifferentiation. Morphogenesis relates to the shaping and arrangement of the developing tooth parts, another vital phase but not the initial stage where cell specialization occurs. Cementogenesis specifically concerns the formation of cementum, a tissue that covers the roots of teeth; this happens after histodifferentiation has taken place. Understanding these stages highlights the importance of histodifferentiation in the overall development of primary teeth.