First molar odontogenesis in the golden Syrian hamster (Cricetus auratus).

The golden Syrian hamster was selected to study molar odontogenesis. The development of the first molar was examined from the dental lamina stage through apposition. The dentition of the hamster follows the basic dental formula of the rodent. The morphology and chronology of the various stages of odontogenesis were studied and were compared to that of the gerbil, rat, and mouse. Observation of the initiation of odontogenesis at the dental lamina stage was noted on prenatal day 11. The bud stage was present on prenatal day 12, followed by the cap stage on prenatal day 13. The bell stage occurred on prenatal day 14 and 15, and the apposition stage was initiated on prenatal day 16. The process of odontogenesis in the hamster was recognized as typically rodent. Combined with the fact that the hamster is very docile in nature and an easy laboratory animal to handle, data from this investigation suggest that the hamster will continue to be a useful model in dental research.