Effect of selected accelerants on setting time and biocompatibility of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)

Objective. Various additives have been suggested to be used with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to improve its handling characteristics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of various additives on setting time and cell attachment on gray MTA (GMTA). Study design. Single-rooted caries-free teeth were split, and dentin disks with class I cavity were made and filled with test and control materials. Setting time was measured using Gilmore apparatus. Mouse MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and L929 mouse fibroblasts were grown on dentin and GMTA disks. Cell attachment was examined under fluorescent microscope. Results. Adding KY liquid, CaCl2, and NaOCl to GMTA improved the handling properties and decreased setting time. Osteoblasts and fibroblasts attached and spread on GMTA mixed with additives in a manner similar to GMTA mixed with water. Conclusions. The various additives could be possible substitutes to water to decrease MTA setting time. MTA is biocompatible when mixed with the various additives. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2011; 111: 122-127)