Objective: This research study aims at conducting an in vitro evaluation of crack formation in freshly extracted teeth after undergoing different storage and decontamination methods. Methods: 60 erupted upper third molars conventionally extracted using forceps # 210h (quinelato surgical instruments, rio claro - sp) and randomly distributed in three groups (n = 30): group 1 - storage in dry environment for 30 days, group 2 - sterilization in autoclave and storage for 30 days in distilled water, and group 3 - 10% formaldehyde decontamination for 14 days and storage in distilled water for additional 30 days. after the storage period, teeth had their roots transversely sectioned at 2, 4 and 6 mm below the root apex using a low rotation diamond disk under constant cooling. the evaluation of fragments was performed using a 30-time magnification microscope. Results: Cracks were seen only in group 1 and the chi-square statistical test with 5% significance level showed a statistically significant difference comparing the dry storage group to the others. Conclusion: The storage of extracted teeth in a dry environment influences the formation of dentinal defects.