Composition and Characteristics of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA)
- MTA is formulated from commercial Portland cement.
- It is combined with bismuth oxide powder for radio-opacity.
- MTA is composed of tricalcium silicate, dicalcium silicate, tricalcium aluminate, tetracalcium aluminoferrite, calcium sulfate, and bismuth oxide.
- White versions of MTA have been available since 2002.
- Newly developed fast-set MTAs were developed by Pozzolan Cement or Zeolite Cement.
- MTA is biocompatible with periradicular tissues.
- It is non-cytotoxic and antimicrobial to bacteria.
- MTA is non-resorbable.
- It shows minimal leakage around the margins.
- MTA has a high pH when mixed with water.
Usage of MTA in Clinical Cases
- MTA is used for root-end filling after apicectomy.
- It has better results in biocompatibility and micro-leakage sealing ability compared to other root-end filling materials.
- MTA is not ideal due to drawbacks such as toxic heavy metal presence, discoloration, and difficult handling.
- Other materials like glass ionomer cement, calcium phosphate cement, and calcium silicate-based materials are being developed for root-end filling.
- These new materials are based on bioceramic or chemically bonded ceramic.
Root-End Filling after Apicectomy
- An apicectomy may be required in persistent apical infections during root canal therapy.
- MTA is retrogradely applied to the root tip cavity after resecting the root tip.
- MTA is a refined Portland cement with better biocompatibility and sealing ability.
- The benefits of MTA as a root-end filling material compared to other materials are inconclusive.
- New materials like glass ionomer cement and calcium phosphate cement show promise as root-end filling materials.
Internal and External Root Resorption, and Obturation
- In internal resorption, MTA is inserted in the canal to the level of the defect during root canal therapy.
- Gutta percha and root canal sealer are placed above the defect to complete the treatment.
- MTA provides structure and strength to the tooth by replacing the resorbed tooth structure.
- In external resorption, MTA is retrogradely applied to the root surface after removing the defect during flap surgery.
- MTA is used in direct cases to completely obturate the canal.
Other Uses of MTA
- MTA Plus has the highest percentage of MTA in its formula.
- Chitosan and gelatin are used as antiwashout agents in MTA root canal sealers.
- MTA Angelus Fillapex sealer contains less than 20% tri/dicalcium silicate powder.
- EndoSeal MTA and Tech BioSeal MTA are also MTA root canal sealers.
- MTA Fillapex is a resin-modified root canal sealer.
- Apexification is performed in incompletely formed roots to maintain the tooth position.
- Apexogenesis allows pulp vitality during pulpal treatment for continued root development.
- MTA can be used for mechanical exposure during cavity preparation in pulp capping.
- MTA provides faster reparative dentin formation without pulpal inflammation.
Note: The "See also" section and other unrelated information have been omitted.
This article reads like a press release or a news article and may be largely based on routine coverage. (December 2017) |
Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was developed for use as a dental root repair material by Mahmoud Torabinejad. It is formulated from commercial Portland cement, combined with bismuth oxide powder for radio-opacity. MTA is used for creating apical plugs during apexification, repairing root perforations during root canal therapy, and treating internal root resorption. This can be used for root-end filling material and as pulp capping material. Originally, MTA was dark gray in color, but white versions have been on the market since 2002.
Portland cement is a term applied to a class of materials covering a range of compositions (between silica alumina and calcia). The composition, fineness, setting time and strength of Portland cement are not controlled or guaranteed. Portland cement is an unsuitable substitute for MTA based on several characteristics that are essential to the performance: freedom from heavy metals, dimensional stability and fineness. The FDA requires dental materials to have high purity and be lead and arsenic-free, unlike commercial Portland cement.
