Mineral Trioxide Aggregate: A Comprehensive Literature Review-Part II: Leakage and Biocompatibility Investigations

Introduction: 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. (J Endod 2010;36:190-202)