MTA
Also written as: MTA — Mineral Trioxide Aggregate
Abbreviation for Mineral Trioxide Aggregate; a biocompatible cement used in endodontic procedures for root-end filling, perforation repair, and apexification.
Full Definition
Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is a calcium silicate–based endodontic material with high biocompatibility, sealing ability, and the capacity to set in the presence of moisture. It is employed in a range of endodontic applications including root-end filling following apicoectomy, repair of root perforations, apexification of immature teeth, and pulp capping. Editors encountering 'MTA' should always expand it at first use as 'Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA)' in formal and non-specialist documents. The trademark formulation 'ProRoot MTA' refers to a specific commercial product and should not be used interchangeably with the generic term.
Usage
Usage note: Expand at first use. Do not use a proprietary brand name (e.g., ProRoot MTA) as a generic descriptor unless the specific product is being referenced.
In Context
- "MTA was placed as a 4 mm root-end filling following root-end preparation with an ultrasonic tip." — Surgical operative report
- "Apexification was achieved using MTA to create an artificial apical barrier in the immature permanent incisor." — Case report