Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for preserving avulsed teeth and/or explanted tissue. The disclosed methods for preserving avulsed teeth and/or explanted tissue typically include placing the avulsed teeth and/or explanted tissue in a preservation solution comprising at least about 2.75 g/L sugar. Suitable explanted tissues for the disclosed methods may include explanted tissues comprising fibroblasts, such as dental tissue and/or oral tissue. The preservation solution of the disclosed preservation methods may include additional components which may include but are not limited to inorganic salts, amino acids, vitamins, and buffering agents. The preservation solution may be prepared from a powder formulation having a long shelf-life.
