Armadillosuchus arrudai (Sphagesauridae, Crocodyliformes), Adamantina Formation (Turonian – Santonian), Bauru Basin, southeastern Brazil: Dental development aspects

Armadillosuchus arrudai, an extinct crocodyliform, has a complex pattern of tooth replacement. Replacement of functional teeth followed an alternating numerical and directional wave from posterior to anterior. Notably, the presence of an initial fossa in some teeth indicated root resorption and facilitated the development of tooth replacement. These aspects suggest a coordinated tooth replacement process, enabling the animal to maintain functional dentition. This study provides insights into the unique dental dynamics of Armadillosuchus arrudai, highlighting its lifelong polyphyodonty and the meaning of alternating replacement patterns. Microtomography allowed the comprehension of these intricate tooth replacement processes.