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.