Cracks in dentin and enamel after cryopreservation

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate if cryopreservation of teeth for long-term storage leads to cracks in enamel and dentin.

Study design: Three teeth, which were extracted for orthodontic reasons, were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen (temperature -196°C) and thawed according to standard protocols after 4 months. Micro computed tomography using synchrotron radiation was performed to detect cracks in the tooth hard tissues.

Results: Cracks were found in the enamel of all teeth, which are associated with forceps application during extraction. Cracks with a width larger than 0.8 μm were not identified in dentin and cementum.

Conclusion: Although cryopreservation of teeth according to the standard protocol does not generate cracks more than 0.8 μm wide, the use of forceps can result in prominent cracks.