Mineral trioxide aggregate (Fig. 25) is a compound consisting of mineral oxides, (tricalcium silicate, tricalcium oxide, silicate oxide and traces of other mineral oxides), developed first by Mahmoud Torabinejad and co-workers at Loma Linda University.462 BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 197 NO. 8 OCTOBER 23 2004
Although originally developed as a root-end filling material during periradicular surgery, researchers across the world have reported positive results when the material is used for the repair of perforations, as a pulp capping agent, and to induce apical closure of immature roots. The superb sealing ability, marginal adaptation and biological compatibility of the material appear to make this material the sealant of choice for any communication between the root canal system and the external surface of the tooth.
The material is continually being refined, and the latest product has some oxides removed to produce a white, rather than grey, powder. MTA is a difficult material to manipulate, having the consistency of wet sand. Methods of placement are described in Part 11.