A qualitative X-ray analysis of white and grey mineral trioxide aggregate using compositional imaging

Abstract

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is used in endodontics as a filling and sealant material. An earlier commercial formulation Grey MTA (GMTA) was liable to became progressively discoloured, and a whiter version (WMTA) has been introduced for cosmetic reasons. This study compares the composition and particle size distribution of the two formulations using energy dispersive X-ray analysis in a scanning electron microscope. Particle size is smaller in WMTA. X-ray analysis reveals similar major peaks (calcium, silicon and bismuth) but those of the minor elements aluminium, magnesium and particularly iron are considerably less in WMTA, which may account for the colour difference. Neither contains phosphorus, a major constituent of the original formulation.

Current status of direct pulp-capping materials for permanent teeth

“…Some particles of MTA were as small as 1.5 μm 81) . Size distribution in ProRoot Gray is greater than in the White 82,83) . Tooth discoloration has been reported with the use of gray MTA in direct pulp capping 74) and therefore the use of white MTA has generally been recommended in the esthetic zone.…”

Calcium silicate materials in endodontics

“…15 Even though these two different types of MTA, namely grey and white ProRoot MTA, are primarily composed of tricalcium silicate and dicalcium silicate, 10 the particle size was found to be smaller in the white MTA and X-Ray analysis revealed similar major elements (calcium, silicon and bismuth) but minor elements aluminium, magnesium and particularly iron, were considerably less in the white MTA. 16,17  Establish a seal, preferably mediated by a bond between the tooth and the restoration  Anti-microbial properties  Biocompatible  Bioactive with the capability to stimulate and modulate native tissue formation  Non-absorbable  Dimensionally stable  Adequate strength  Radio-opaque  Lacks moisture sensitivity  Easy manipulation characteristics Table 1. Desirable properties of a material for endodontic application.…”

Photoactivation Analysis of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate: Preliminary Results

“…[5,[7][8][9][10]. However, usage of photoactivation analysis (PAA) for analytical studies of MTA has not been reported in the literature.…”