Which statement is true about the eruption relationship of permanent teeth to deciduous teeth?

• A. Permanent teeth erupt before deciduous teeth
• B. Permanent teeth eruption is independent of deciduous eruption
• C. Permanent teeth eruption resumes after deciduous teeth erupt
• D. Permanent teeth eruption occurs only after deciduous teeth exfoliate

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how tooth eruption happens in stages: the deciduous (primary) teeth come in first, and then the permanent teeth follow in a later phase. Permanent teeth begin to erupt after the deciduous teeth have erupted, and this eruption continues as the primary teeth eventually exfoliate to make space. So the statement that permanent teeth eruption resumes after deciduous teeth erupt reflects the general sequence students are taught: the eruption of the permanent set follows the eruption of the deciduous set and continues as shedding occurs. (Keep in mind there are timing nuances, like the first permanent molars starting to erupt around age six even while some deciduous teeth are still present, but the overall pattern is a follow-up phase after deciduous eruption.)