Over the years, dentistry materials have evolved, eliminating and incorporating new materials. This is the case of MTA cement (corresponding to the "mineral trioxide aggregate"), which is a material indicated for pulp treatment in vital teeth, in apicoformations, in endodontic surgery and mainly in tooth filling. MTA is a powder consisting of fine hydrophilic particles that set in the presence of moisture.
MTA in dental cements
The use of MTA in endodontics has increased, since it promotes bone formation and facilitates the regeneration of the periodontal ligament without causing inflammation. Thanks to these properties, the added mineral trioxide (MTA), is used as a material to seal the communication paths between the root canal system and the periradicular tissues. In addition, it has antibacterial effects and low compressive strength, making it an ideal product for use in endodontics.
Properties of MTA Cement for Dentistry
- Physical-chemical properties: The setting time of this material is around three or four hours, it has a low compressive strength, a low solubility and a higher radio-opacity than dentine.
- Antibacterial effect: Its alkaline pH of 12.5 favours antibacterial effects, so after applying this substance as an apical obturation material, hard tissue formation can be induced.
- Radio-Opacity: Obturation materials must be more radio-opaque than their limiting structures when placed in a cavity.
- Hardening time: MTA solidifies in 3 to 4 hours, although this depends on particle size, proportion of liquid powder, temperature, compressed air and presence of water.
- Compressive strength: Compressive strength is an important factor to consider when placing the obturation material in a cavity that supports occlusal loads. Since apical obturation materials do not withstand direct pressure, the compressive strength is not as important, but the 21-day compressive strength of MTA is around 70 Mpa.
Main uses of MTA cement in the clinic
The MTA is indicated for use in clinics in the following cases:
- Pulp Coatings and Pulpotomies: MTA is used in pulp coatings because of its ability to prevent bacterial filtration and because of its high degree of biocompatibility.
- Dental perforation repair: Dental perforations can occur during an endodontic procedure and its prognosis depends on the size of the perforation, the damage to the bone, the ligation, etc. MTA cements provide an airtight seal and prevent oral inflammation.
- Barrier during tooth whitening: Internal tooth whitening can cause external root resorption. Thanks to the properties of MTA, it is possible to obtain an effective seal to prevent the penetration of dyes and bacteria. It is important that it is placed after the root canal filling and before the internal whitening.
Best rated MTA cements at Dentaltix:
Biodentine: Bioactive dentine substitute (5 capsules) from Septodont
- Can be used on both the crown and the root.
- Versatility of use: can be used in both endodontic and restorative processes.
- Saves time, thanks to the direct bonding with the composite.
- The tooth will react by generating dentin which will preserve the vitality of the pulp.
- Visit the product sheet to know its price and all its characteristics.
- Radio-opaque, thus facilitating short and medium-term follow-up.
MTA: Restorative Cement (1gr) by Angelus
- Bio-ceramic restorative cement.
- Indicated in treatments of root canal perforations, pulpotomy, periapical surgery with reverse filling and others.
- Biocompatible with oral tissues.
- It is bactericidal and easy to use.
- Possesses adequate compressive strength.
- More radiopaque than dentin and enamel so it is very good for radiographic purposes.
- Its biological action has to do with the fact that it allows the formation of periradicular cement.
- Visit the product sheet to know its price and all its characteristics.
ProRoot®: MTA Cement (4 x 0.5g) by Maillefer
- Resorbable.
- Biocompatible.
- Waterproof.
- It is indicated for apicoformation, repair of iatrogenic perforations, repair of absorptions, retro-filling and coating of the pulp.
- It can also be used in pediatric patients (ages >2-12 years) and in adolescents (ages >12-21 years) for temporary tooth pulpotomies.
- Easy to work with.
- Completely hardens after four weeks.
- Visit the product sheet to know its price and all its characteristics.
And if you want to see other options, click below to see all the products available on our website:
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