Portland cement has been introduced in dentistry as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) by adding bismuth oxide as a radiopacifier. The material has limited uses in dentistry due to its long setting time and inadequate compressive strength. Modifications to the Portland cement were made by addition of calcium aluminate cement and by elimination of gypsum which is used as a set retardant in Portland cement manufacture. The resultant prototype materials were composed of tricalcium silicate, dicalcium silicate and tricalcium aluminate. On hydration calcium hydroxide was produced which accounted for the material biocompatibility. The materials exhibited a clinically acceptable setting time, adequate compressive strength, high pH, and good marginal adaptation and acid resistance. The cements were very reactive and were effected by media used routinely in specimen preparation. In addition there were no adequate standards available for testing materials for use as root-end filling materials.

This book focuses on hydraulic calcium silicate-based materials available in clinical dentistry, used as pulp capping materials, root canal sealers, root-end fillers, or root repair materials and which offer improved properties and easier clinical application compared with the original mineral trioxide aggregate. The book introduces the current classification of bioceramic materials and explains their characterization and their physicochemical and biological properties. Thereafter, the various clinical applications of these materials are discussed in depth with reference to the evidence base. The coverage includes applications in endodontic treatments and complications, traumatic dental injuries, management of the vital pulp in both dentitions, and regenerative endodontic procedures. Apart from presenting the latest research on hydraulic calcium silicate-based materials, Bioceramic Materials in Clinical Endodontics promotes an essential balance between basic laboratory and clinical research. It will thus be an important reference for materials science specialists, clinical researchers, and clinicians.