Mineral trioxide aggregate: a comprehensive literature review--part II: leakage and biocompatibility investigations.
BACKGROUND
Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was developed because existing materials did not have the ideal characteristics for orthograde or retrograde root-end fillings. MTA has been recommended primarily as a root-end filling material, but it has also been used in pulp capping, pulpotomy, apical barrier formation in teeth with open apexes, repair of root perforations, and root canal filling. Part I of this literature review presented a comprehensive list of articles regarding the chemical and physical properties as well as the antibacterial activity of MTA. The purpose of part II of this review is to present a comprehensive list of articles regarding the sealing ability and biocompatibility of this material.


METHODS
A review of the literature was performed by using electronic and hand-searching methods for the sealing ability and biocompatibility of MTA from November 1993-September 2009.


RESULTS
Numerous studies have investigated the sealing ability and biocompatibility of MTA.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of available evidence it appears that MTA seals well and is a biocompatible material.
Torabinejad
Mahmoud
M
Endodontic Residency Program, Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA. mtorabinejad@llu.edu
Parirokh
Masoud
M
D017607:Aluminum Compounds / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017610:Calcium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003738:Dental Cements; D003763:Dental Leakage; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D010087:Oxides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D017640:Silicates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D017607:Aluminum Compounds; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D017610:Calcium Compounds; D003738:Dental Cements; D004338:Drug Combinations; D010087:Oxides; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D017640:Silicates; C086631:mineral trioxide aggregate