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

IntroductionMineral 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsNumerous studies have investigated the sealing ability and biocompatibility of MTA.ConclusionsOn the basis of available evidence it appears that MTA seals well and is a biocompatible material.