Which permanent teeth begin to calcify at birth?

Which permanent teeth begin to calcify at birth?

• A. Central incisors (14 weeks)
• B. First molars (15 weeks)
• C. Lateral incisors (16 weeks)
• D. Canines (20 weeks)

Answer: (A)

Calcification of permanent teeth starts before birth and follows a general timing sequence. In the prenatal timeline, the earliest onset among the listed options is central incisors at about 14 weeks, which means their calcification would begin earlier in gestation than the others shown (15, 16, and 20 weeks). So, within the data given, the central incisors appear first to begin calcifying. Note that, in broader terms, the first permanent molars are often cited as beginning calcification around birth, but the specific weeks in this question place the central incisors earliest.

Calcification of permanent teeth starts before birth and follows a general timing sequence. In the prenatal timeline, the earliest onset among the listed options is central incisors at about 14 weeks, which means their calcification would begin earlier in gestation than the others shown (15, 16, and 20 weeks). So, within the data given, the central incisors appear first to begin calcifying. Note that, in broader terms, the first permanent molars are often cited as beginning calcification around birth, but the specific weeks in this question place the central incisors earliest.