Eruptive tooth movement describes?

• A. Movement of tooth from a position within the jaw to its functional position in occlusion
• B. Movement of tooth germs before eruption
• C. Movement of teeth during jaw growth only
• D. Movement of teeth during orthodontic forces only

Answer: (A)

Eruptive tooth movement is the phase when a tooth moves from its position inside the jawbone toward the mouth and into the occlusal/functional position. This movement happens as the tooth travels through the eruption pathway, with root formation continuing and the surrounding bone, follicle, and periodontal ligament remodeling to allow the tooth to reach its masticatory position.

This is distinct from pre-eruptive movements, which occur within the jaw before eruption, and from movements caused by growth of the jaw or by orthodontic forces, which are not definitions of eruption itself.