Is MTA an effective root-end filler for endodontic surgery?

Abstract

This article reports on a randomised controlled trial. Subjects undergoing endodontic surgery of single rooted teeth were randomised to have the resected root apex filled with either mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA; Dentsply, Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA) or IRM® (Intermediate Restorative Material) (Dentsply International, Milford, Delaware, USA). Radiographs were taken at 1 week, 3 months and 1 year after surgery using the long-cone paralleling technique. Radiographic healing was classified as: group 1 (complete healing); group 2 (incomplete or scar healing); group 3 (uncertain healing) and group 4 (unsatisfactory healing). Clinical success was defined as absence of symptoms, swelling, sinus tract or other signs of infection, in combination with radiographic healing (group 1 or 2) and normal functioning of the tooth. No statistically significant differences were found between results from the two retrofilling materials with 64% of those in the MTA group showing complete healing and 50% in the IRM group in primary molars. The study indicates no statistically significant differences in success rates between use of MTA and IRM as apical sealants in single-rooted teeth.