Mineral Trioxide Aggregate
A biocompatible calcium silicate–based cement used for vital pulp therapy, perforation repair, and apical plug procedures in endodontics.
Full Definition
Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is a powder composed primarily of tricalcium silicate, dicalcium silicate, and bismuth oxide, which sets in the presence of moisture to form a hard, biocompatible seal. It is valued for its ability to promote cementogenesis and has strong sealing properties against microleakage. In editorial contexts, the term is nearly always rendered as the acronym MTA; when the full form is spelled out, each word is capitalised. Editors should note that 'mineral trioxide aggregate' (all lowercase) is sometimes seen in non-specialist writing and should be corrected to title-case or replaced with MTA per house style.
Usage
Usage note: The abbreviation MTA is already in the database; this full-form entry covers spelling and capitalisation guidance specifically.
In Context
- "Mineral Trioxide Aggregate was placed as an apical plug prior to obturation." — Operative report
- "The authors compared Mineral Trioxide Aggregate with Biodentine for furcation perforation repair." — Research article