In this paper we examine the placement of the human canine tooth in the dento-alveolar system in order to explain its phylogenesis and ontogenesis over the course of its interactions with other tissues. We explain the known genetic mechanisms that occur throughout its morphogenesis and during its eruption until the tooth takes its place in the oral cavity. We carefully examine the role that genetic and environmental factors play in causing anomalies in its form, maturation, eruption and function.

We show how environmental factors determine how well it becomes integrated into the already established dental functional schema.