Mineral trioxide aggregate: a new material for endodontics.
BACKGROUND
Mineral trioxide aggregate, or MTA, is a new material developed for endodontics that appears to be a significant improvement over other materials for procedures in bone. It is the first restorative material that consistently allows for the overgrowth of cementum, and it may facilitate the regeneration of the periodontal ligament.


METHODS
The authors present five cases in which MTA was used to manage clinical problems. These included vertical root fracture, apexification, perforation repair and repair of a resorptive defect. In each case, MTA allowed bone healing and elimination of clinical symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Materials such as zinc oxide-eugenol cement and resin composite have been used in the past to repair root defects, but their use resulted in the formation of fibrous connective tissue adjacent to the bone. Because it allows the overgrowth of cementum and periodontal ligament, MTA may be an ideal material for certain endodontic procedures.
Schwartz
R S
RS
U.S. Air Force, Dental Corps, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, USA.
Mauger
M
M
Clement
D J
DJ
Walker
W A
WA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017607:Aluminum Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017610:Calcium Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D025021:Cementogenesis; D003739:Dental Cementum / Q000187:drug effects; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000293:injuries; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010087:Oxides / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012391:Root Resorption / Q000628:therapy; D017640:Silicates / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000628:therapy; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000293:injuries
D017607:Aluminum Compounds; D017610:Calcium Compounds; D004338:Drug Combinations; D010087:Oxides; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D017640:Silicates; C086631:mineral trioxide aggregate