Date of Award
Spring 2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Stover, Sheila
Second Advisor
Tayebi, Lobat
Third Advisor
Hashimoto, Lance
Abstract
Introduction: Viability of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells is a key prognostic factor fora replanted tooth following avulsion. Dehydration results death of PDL cells, which in turn causes ankylosis upon replantation, followed by replacement resorption. Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) has been recommended as the standard storage medium for an avulsed tooth. Save-A-Tooth and EMT Tooth saver (Dentosafe)are commercially available tooth storage media. With the best of our knowledge no study has yet compared these media for their effective tooth storage times. The aim of this invitro study is to evaluate Save-A-Tooth, EMT Toothsaver (Dentosafe), and HBSS for their effect on the viability of human periodontal ligament fibroblast (HPDLF).Methods: Cultured primary HPDLFs were seeded on 96-well cell culture plates and exposed to water (negative control), HBSS, Save-A-Tooth and EMT Tooth saver(Dentosafe) at room temperature (22°C) for 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 or 48 hours. After each exposure time, cell viability was measured by quantifying ATP present using a luminescent dye. The data was statistically analyzed by ANOVA and post hoc Least Significant Difference (LSD) test (P < 0.05).Results: There was no difference in cell viability among HBSS, Save-A-Tooth and EMT Toothsaver (Dentosafe) groups for up to 6 hours. Save-A-Tooth was effective only up to12 hours and then became detrimental to HPDLF; at 24 and 48 hours, the effectiveness of Save-A-Tooth was similar to that of water. Starting from the 24-hour time-point, EMT Toothsaver (Dentosafe) was more effective than any other tested media. The number of viable cells exposed to EMT Toothsaver (Dentosafe) and HBSS increased between the24- and 48-hour time-points. Conclusions: EMT Toothsaver (Dentosafe) is the best tooth storage medium among the tested media, although HBSS was similarly effective. Save-A-Tooth is not suitable to store an avulsed tooth for greater than 6 hours.