Initial Calcification of the Human Permanent First Molar

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Abstract
The primary first and second molars and the permanent first molars were extracted from 73 human fetuses ranging in age from approximately 19 weeks intrauterine to 6 months after birth. The tooth buds were stained with alizarin red-S to show the presence of calcified areas. Initial calcification in every permanent first molar before birth occurred as early as approximately 28 weeks intrauterineor as late as approximately 32 weeks intrauterine. As many as 4 cusp tips on each permanent molar may calcify before birth. The relative time, location and degree of initial calcification of the permanent first molars and the primary molars are quite consistent.