Under the conditions of this study, surface hardness of MTA was impaired in an acidic environment.

No abstract

Acid-etch procedures affected the compressive strength and surface microhardness of ProRoot MTA. This indicates that it may be better to postpone restorative procedures for at least 96 h after mixing MTA. Etching created surface changes that might have the potential to enhance bonding of resinous materials.

Compared to trituration and condensation techniques, the application of ultrasonic energy to MTA produced a significantly higher surface microhardness value at both 4 and 28 days. Irrespective of mixing technique, ProRoot white and Angelus grey had the highest surface microhardness values. Trituration of encapsulated, premeasured MTA and water provides a standardiszed method of mixing that produces MTA slurries with more controllable handling characteristics.

When blood becomes incorporated into MTA, its compressive strength is reduced. In clinical situations in which blood becomes mixed with MTA, its physical properties are likely to be compromised.

No abstract

No abstract

Blood contamination had a detrimental effect on the surface microhardness of MTA in the short and long term. If blood or serum contamination is unavoidable under clinical conditions, it might be preferable to use white MTA.