How does the eruption process begin, and which tissues signal eruption?

• A. Initiated by formation of an eruption pathway; dental follicle signals recruit osteoclasts to resorb overlying bone and remodel path for eruption.
• B. Triggered by enamel formation; ameloblasts signal eruption.
• C. The eruption begins after tooth fully mineralizes; alveolar bone signals when to erupt.
• D. The eruption pathway forms spontaneously without signaling.

Answer: (A)

Eruption starts when the dental follicle around the developing tooth signals the surrounding bone to remodel and form an eruption pathway. The follicle releases factors that recruit osteoclasts, which resorb the overlying alveolar bone and carve a tunnel for the tooth to move through. This targeted bone resorption is what makes eruption possible, not enamel formation or a timing sense tied to full mineralization. So the eruption pathway forms through signaling from the dental follicle to osteoclasts, guiding the tooth toward eruption.