When does the growth of permanent teeth resume?

• A. After deciduous teeth exfoliate
• B. After eruption of deciduous teeth
• C. Immediately after birth
• D. Once deciduous teeth erupt

Answer: (D)

The timing of when permanent teeth begin to move forward and erupt is linked to the transition from the deciduous set. The permanent tooth germs are already formed, but their eruption is coordinated with shedding of the deciduous teeth. Once the deciduous teeth have erupted, space is created and the roots of the deciduous teeth begin to resorb, allowing the permanent successors to resume their eruption toward the occlusal plane. In short, the environment becomes suitable for permanent tooth eruption after the deciduous teeth erupt, so growth and eruption of the permanent dentition resume at that point.