Final answer:
The mesial proximal contact is positioned more cervically than the distal proximal contact in primary teeth. Deciduous teeth emerge first, followed by permanent teeth and then wisdom teeth, each at distinct stages of human development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the relative positioning of the mesial and distal proximal contacts of teeth. In dentistry, these terms describe the surfaces of the teeth that are nearest to (mesial) and farthest from (distal) the midline of the face. It is specified in dental anatomy that the mesial contacts of primary teeth are located more cervically (toward the neck of the tooth, near the gum line) than the distal contacts. This feature helps to accommodate the developing permanent teeth beneath the primary ones. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is that the mesial proximal contact positioned more cervically than the distal proximal contact is a characteristic of primary teeth (Option a).
Understanding the emergence of teeth is critical in dentistry and health education. The deciduous teeth, also known as primary teeth, typically emerge between six months and two years of age. Permanent teeth replace them starting around age six and continuing into the teen years. The wisdom teeth, which are the last set of permanent teeth, usually emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Moreover, posterior to the cuspids, which include the canines, there are the premolars or bicuspids. These teeth have an overall flatter shape with two rounded cusps on their biting surface, which are particularly useful for mashing foods.