In Dentistry, MTA stands for Mineral Trioxide Aggregate. It is a formula that was developed to repair dental roots. To make Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, a specific ratio of Portland cement and bismuth oxide powder is mixed. The purpose of bismuth oxide powder is to get radio-opacity which makes it easy to detect during the x-ray. In the initial days, MTA was available only in dark colours, but since 2002, white MTA is also available.
In dentistry, MTA has found many uses. The most common use of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate is to create apical plugs during apexification. In addition, MTA is also widely used to repair the root perforation post root canal. MTA has also found extensive use during root resorption therapy and as a pulp capping material. Since the main component of Portland Cement is calcia and silica-alumina, it is 100% safe to use MTA in dentistry. The new formula has additional components mixed to alter the setting time, strength and fineness of the product. This is one product which is widely used by dentists across the globe.