Use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in root repairs. Clinical cases

Several clinical situations, such as lateral root or furcation perforation during endodontic treatment, apexification and/or apicoectomy, require the use of reliable materials and techniques to address the problem. The materials historically used for these conditions do not provide a reliable clinical outcome nor a long-term prognosis. New materials and technology may help this challenging issue. Ideally, the repair material should be nontoxic, bacteriostatic and nonresorbable; should promote healing; and should provide an optimal hermetic seal. Among different materials usually used for this purpose--amalgam, ZOE, ZOP, gutta-percha, IRM, Super-EBA, glass ionomers, calcium hydroxide, bonding agents, Cavit, hydroxyapatite and, finally, mineral trioxide aggregate--only the last has provided a substantial advantage.