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Arsenic release provided by MTA and Portland cement
Marco Antonio Hungaro Duarte1, Ana Claudia Cardoso De Oliveira Demarchi, José Carlos Yamashita
1Departament of Endodontics, Sagrado Coração University, Bauru, Brazil. mhungaro@travelnet.com.br
Summary
This study found that both Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Portland cements release very low levels of arsenic, well below harmful thresholds. These findings indicate that both dental materials are safe for clinical use regarding arsenic content.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Toxicology
Background:
- Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is a widely used endodontic material.
- Portland cements are also utilized in dental applications.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential release of arsenic from these materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify arsenic release from specific Portland cements and MTAs.
- To compare arsenic levels between Portland cements and MTAs.
- To assess the safety of these materials concerning arsenic content.
Main Methods:
- Materials tested included 2 gray Portland cements, 1 white Portland cement, ProRoot MTA, and MTA-Angelus.
- Materials were immersed in pH 5.0 reagent water for 3 and 168 hours.
- Arsenic levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry with hydride generation.
Main Results:
- Arsenic release levels were comparable between Portland cements and MTAs.
- All tested materials exhibited arsenic release well below harmful levels.
- No significant difference in arsenic release was observed between the tested materials.
Conclusions:
- Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Portland cements demonstrate minimal arsenic presence.
- The study suggests that both MTA and Portland cements are safe for clinical application due to low arsenic levels.
- These findings support the continued use of MTA and Portland cements in dental practice.