Mineral trioxide aggregate: a new material for endodontics.

BACKGROUND: Mineral trioxide aggregate, or MTA, is a new material developed for endodontics that appears to be a significant improvement over other materials for procedures in bone. It is the first restorative material that consistently allows for the overgrowth of cementum, and it may facilitate the regeneration of the periodontal ligament. CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors present five cases in which MTA was used to manage clinical problems. These included vertical root fracture, apexification, perforation repair and repair of a resorptive defect. In each case, MTA allowed bone healing and elimination of clinical symptoms. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Materials such as zinc oxide-eugenol cement and resin composite have been used in the past to repair root defects, but their use resulted in the formation of fibrous connective tissue adjacent to the bone. Because it allows the overgrowth of cementum and periodontal ligament, MTA may be an ideal material for certain endodontic procedures.