MTA
Also written as: MTA — Mineral Trioxide Aggregate
Abbreviation for Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, a calcium silicate-based dental material used in endodontics and vital pulp therapy for its biocompatibility and sealing properties.
Full Definition
Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is a bioactive calcium silicate cement introduced in the 1990s that has become a benchmark material in endodontic research for procedures including pulp capping, pulpotomy, apexification, root-end filling, and perforation repair. Its properties—high biocompatibility, hard-tissue-forming ability, and resistance to bacterial leakage—make it a frequent test or comparator material in dental materials and clinical trials. Editors should confirm that MTA is defined on first use and that studies distinguish between ProRoot MTA and the numerous subsequent calcium silicate cement formulations, which differ in composition and handling.
Usage
Usage note: MTA is a trade-related term with a proprietary origin; editors should note when authors use 'MTA' generically to refer to all calcium silicate cements, which may be imprecise.
In Context
- "MTA was applied as a root-end filling material after apical microsurgery." — Endodontic surgery case series
- "The authors compared MTA with Biodentine for direct pulp capping; both materials belong to the calcium silicate cement family." — Systematic review on vital pulp therapy materials