Effect of dentin powder on setting time of mineral trioxide aggregate: an in vitro study.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a biomaterial with numerous clinical applications in the field of endodontics. The properties of this material come closest to the requirements of an ideal endodontic repair material. Delayed setting time though may limit the use of MTA in endodontic procedures. Many chemical based additives have influenced the setting time of MTA. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of a natural additive in the form of human dentin powder on setting properties of ProRoot MTA (Dentsply/Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK). METHODS: Thirty extracted human teeth were taken to obtain fine dentin powder. The methodology used to obtain dentin powder for the present study was same as performed by Haapsalo et al. The specimens were divided into two groups. The samples were placed in standardized stainless steel ring moulds. The setting time of MTA alone and in equal proportions with dentin powder as an additive was evaluated using Vicats apparatus. RESULTS: MTA mixed with dentin powder showed faster setting time (70 minutes) in comparison to MTA without dentin powder (120 minutes) (P<0.5). CONCLUSION: Although MTA is an ideal retrograde material with increased efficacy due to reduced setting on addition of dentin powder. A combination of MTA with dentin powder might be a viable option in procedures where fast setting of the MTA is critical.