INBDE Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Guide

Hypocalcification to permanent teeth occurs when there is a deficiency in calcium during the calcification process, which is the mineralization phase of tooth development. During calcification, minerals such as calcium and phosphate ions are deposited in the matrix laid down during the apposition stage. Therefore, any damage or disruption during the calcification process can lead to hypocalcification, resulting in weak spots or porous areas in the enamel of the permanent teeth. This is why the correct answer is C - Calcification.

Apposition refers to the deposition of successive layers of dentin and enamel by the odontoblasts and ameloblasts, respectively. Root formation involves the development of the tooth root structure. Eruption is the process of teeth breaking through the gum tissue to become visible in the oral cavity. These processes are not specifically related to the mineralization process that leads to hypocalcification.