Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) solubility and porosity with different water-to-powder ratios

This study tested mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) solubility and porosity with different water-to-powder proportions. The study also determined the chemical composition of the salts dissolved by MTA. Four sets of specimens using the following water-to-powder proportions were prepared: 0.26, 0.28, 0.30, and 0.33 grams of water per gram of cement. The latter is the ratio recommended by the manufacturer. It was determined that the degree of solubility and porosity increased as the water-to-powder ratio increased. Significant differences were found among the sets of specimens. The chemical analyses of the salts dissolved by MTA in the water identified the presence of calcium as the main chemical compound. The pH level of the solution was highly alkaline, ranging between 11.94 and 11.99. It can be stated that the calcium found in the solution should be in its hydroxide state at this high pH level. This ability to release calcium hydroxide could be of clinical significance because it could be related to the proven capacity of MTA to induce mineralization.