Comparison of the physical properties and sealing ability of MTA and Portland cement

Abstract

The major constituent of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is Portland cement (PC). Although a few studies have compared the composition and biocompatibility of MTA and PC, there have not been any studies comparing the physical properties and sealing abilities of the two cements. This study aims to compare the physical properties of MTA and PC using the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the British Standards Institution (BSI) guidelines. X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out using a Powder Diffractometer to analyze the constituents of the cements. The sealing ability of the materials when used as root-end filling materials was tested with dye leakage tests using methylene blue dye. All the four cements were found to be very similar in their composition, sealing abilities and physical properties. Further in vitro and in vivo tests, especially with regards to biocompatibility, should be conducted to explore the use of PC as an alternative to MTA.