Analysis of metallic ion release between MTA and Portland cement

Objectives: It is important to evaluate the physical-chemical properties of mineral trioxide aggregate because it is being used as a retro-filling material. Methods: In this study, a comparative analysis between Proroot MTA and Portland cement metallic ion release was performed by atomic spectophotometer absorption after tests of solubility and disintegration using 1.5-mm thick and 20-mm diameter specimens filled with each cement. After setting, the cements were weighed and immersed in 50 ml of distilled and deionized water for 7 days. The specimens were then dried and weighed and the difference between initial and final mass were calculated representing the percentage of solubility and disintegration of each cement. The water in which the cements were immersed was analyzed by spectophotometry to identify released metallic ions. Results: Results showed that 7.74% MTA mass was lost and the following ions were released: Na (0.159 mg/g), K (0.618 mg/g), Fe (0.007 mg/g), Al (0.024 mg/g), and Ca (1.191 mg/g). The mass lost of Portland cement was 12.42% and the following ions were released: Na (0.331mg/g) K (0.516 mg/g) Fe (0.009 mg/g), Al (0.021mg/g), Ca (1.218 mg/1g) and Mg (0.013 mg/1g). Conclusions: We conclude that MTA and Portland cement release significant quantities of Na, K, Fe, Al, Ca, Mg.