Histologic and micro-computed tomographic analyses of replanted teeth stored in different kind of media.

INTRODUCTION

Coconut water (CW) and soy milk (SM) have been proposed as storage media for avulsed teeth because of their nutrients that preserve cell viability. The present study investigated the periodontal healing process of dog teeth replanted after storage in CW, SM, and whole milk (WM) using micro-computed tomographic (μCT) and histologic analyses compared with immediate tooth replantation.

METHODS

Forty roots of 10 adult beagle dogs were extracted and subjected to the following protocols: immediate replantation after extraction (control), stored in CW with an adjusted pH, and SM and WM for 50 minutes before replantation. The animals were euthanized 28 days postoperatively, and the obtained specimens were scanned using a μCT scanner and subjected to routine processing for histometric analyses under an optical microscope.

RESULTS

CW and SM performed similarly to WM; however, SM showed significantly higher ankylosis than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Additionally, this study showed that the combined use of histologic analysis and μCT is a promising method to better identify tooth resorption and the repair process and to evaluate the total extension of the periodontium. CW as a storage medium is a promising transport media for avulsed teeth.