Post-Natal Tooth Development — NDEB AFK MCQ

Correct answer: C — Maxillary second premolar

The maxillary second premolar begins calcification at approximately 2-2.5 years of age and completes root formation at approximately 12-14 years, making it a tooth that develops entirely after birth. In contrast, the central and lateral incisors, first molars, and canines all begin calcification before birth or shortly after (during the neonatal period). This developmental timeline is important because systemic insults occurring at different ages affect different teeth — only teeth developing at the time of the insult will show defects.

Reference: Proffit – Contemporary Orthodontics, 6th ed., 2019