Storage media for avulsed teeth: review of literature

Abstract

Tooth avulsion is a traumatic injury which can cause severe consequences to permanent dentition, because of the possible damage to periodontal structure. Immediate replantation is the best procedure. However, it sometimes cannot be performed and the success depends on the duration of extra-alveolar time and storage medium of the tooth. The objective of this paper is to review the literature about storage media due to its importance to replantation prognosis. Although innumerous storage media have been tested until now, none of them has the biological requirements and is available at the local accident. Saliva and water are easily accessible, although causing deleterious effects on periodontal cells. Growth factors have biological effects, though they are inaccessible. Thus, its use is impracticable. Propolis and green tea extract seem to be promising and new researches should be carried out. Milk, specially skimmed long shelf-life, seems to be a good option due to its cell viability good results besides its accessibility.