Comparative evaluation of the viability of periodontal ligaments cells in green tea and turmeric as storage media – An ex vivo study

BACKGROUND: Tooth avulsion clinically presents as complete displacement of a tooth from the alveolar socket and it is one of the most severe forms of dental trauma leading to compromised neurovascular supply, loss of periodontal ligament and pulp necrosis. Storing of avulsed tooth in appropriate storage medium to preserve the periodontal cell viability is of prime importance and research to find the appropriate storage media is still on. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of green tea and turmeric as a storage media on periodontal cell viability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized study conducted using sixty single rooted human premolars freshly extracted for orthodontic purpose. Selected subjects were divided into three groups of 20 each. Randomization was done by performing simple random sampling; Group A consisted of teeth to be stored in HBSS, Group B included teeth to be stored in Green tea and Group C included teeth to be store in Turmeric. Periodontal cell viability was assessed by using a Neubauer’s chamber under the light microscope after two hours interval. RESULTS: HBSS preserved significantly higher number of viable PDL cells than any other storage solutions. Green tea extract showed better cell viability in comparison with turmeric. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that HBSS and green tea effectively maintains the viability of PDL for two hours. Turmeric is less effective in preserving the PDL cell viability within the study time interval.