Abstract
Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been introduced as a root-end filling material due to its hydraulic properties since most dental materials deteriorate when in contact with moisture. This chapter looks into the composition of un-hydrated MTA, the properties of the freshly mixed material and the characteristics of the set cement. Un-hydrated MTA is composed of tricalcium and dicalcium silicate, tricalcium aluminate and bismuth oxide. On addition of water, the MTA hydrates and forms calcium hydroxide and calcium silicate hydrate together with small quantities of ettringite and monosulphate phases. Chemical and mineral additives modify the properties of fresh and set MTA. These additives are used mostly to reduce the setting time, improve the workability, enhance the properties of the set material and reduce material washout. The use of Portland cement can increase the risk of trace element incorporation in MTA, and bismuth oxide has been reported to interfere with the material hydration.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
