Chronologic comparison of root dentin moisture in extracted human teeth stored in formalin, sodium azide, and distilled water

This study quantified in vitro the root dentin moisture when 10% formalin (group A), 3% sodium azide (group B), and distilled water (group C) were used as teeth storage media. The root dentin moisture of 66 extracted human mandibular single-rooted teeth was measured at baseline (day 0) and at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days using a digital grain moisture meter. The baseline dentin moisture value was used as covariate in the generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis. The mean dentin moisture values (%) ± SD on days 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 were, respectively: 10.6 ± 0.64, 14.3 ± 0.71, 14.6 ± 0.84, 14.4 ± 0.64, and 14.7 ± 0.75 in group A; 11.4 ± 0.94, 14.6 ± 0.95, 14.6 ± 0.76, 14.6 ± 0.93, and 14.8 ± 0.81 in group B; and 10.2 ± 0.95, 12.8 ± 0.90, 13.3 ± 0.95, 13.0 ± 0.91, and 13.2 ± 0.89 in group C. The dentin moisture increased in all 3 groups; however, there was no overall significant difference in moisture between the formalin and sodium azide groups.