Sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate: A scoping review of laboratory assessment methods

This scoping review identified laboratory methods used to evaluate the sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and compared representative calcium silicate-based cements. A systematic search of articles from 2015 to 2024 was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Studies were included if they assessed the sealing ability of commercially available calcium silicate cements under commonly applied laboratory protocols. Thirty-one studies met the criteria. Various in vitro methods were used, but no single standard emerged. Among the materials reviewed, ProRoot MTA showed superior sealing ability, followed by Biodentine and MTA Angelus, though results varied depending on the method. The findings highlight the need for consistent protocols. Combining techniques such as bacterial leakage and dye penetration using confocal microscopy is suggested to improve reproducibility and support evidence-based material selection in endodontics.