Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has long been trusted for vital pulp therapy, but some formulations can present clinical challenges. Seeing the need for a more user-friendly option, VOCO designed MTA vpt (vital pulp therapy) to simplify the process, delivering the benefits of MTA in a fast, convenient, and cost-effective formulation.
Intrigued by MTA vpt’s time-saving qualities, Dr. John Jackfert hoped it would provide “a simpler, less technique-sensitive process for mixing and applying MTA.” Discovering that “MTA vpt is much easier and quicker to use than other MTA cements,” he said the quick-mixing capsules and rapid setting time were essential to a successful pulpotomy and crown placement on a hyperactive child.
“I was able to use the capsule, place the MTA, and glue my crown on in under 2 minutes, which was all the time that patient was willing to give me,” he shared. “MTA vpt makes things quicker and more efficient, which leads to less chair time for the patient and makes me and my office more productive.”
Ease of Mixing & Placement
Indicated for direct and indirect pulp capping, as well as for pulpotomies after removal of affected coronal pulp, MTA vpt is available in a hand-mixed powder/liquid set or a convenient direct-application capsule compatible with most triturators.
Calling it “excellent for pulpotomies in primary teeth,” Dr. Tim Fagan enjoyed the “quick-mix capsule with easy dispensing tip.” Dr. Jackfert said, “The automix capsules were very easy to mix and use,” while Dr. Bilyana Tesic said she “would probably stick with mixing powder and liquid” to avoid wasted product. A few dentists mentioned that the trituration process could be simplified even further.
Praising the material’s consistency, Dr. William Lieberman said, “It is easy to mix, dispense, and compress, which improves my workflow while saving chair time for the patient.”
Dr. Cheryl Bingham liked the “ease of handling,” and Dr. Joel Preminger said, “It works great and is very easy to use and much less expensive.” Dr. Erica Anand found it “easy to use with deep fillings,” and Dr. Rishi Verma said, “It has great ease of placement without washout.”
Working Time, Strength, & Radiopacity
MTA vpt has an intraoral working time of at least 3 minutes and turns from blue to white after curing. After placement, it can be immediately covered with a flowable composite or glass ionomer, eliminating long wait times. With more than double the compressive strength of other MTAs, MTA vpt ensures a strong foundation. It is easily identifiable on x-rays with a radiopacity of 290%.
“The hardest part of placing MTA is waiting for it to set completely, so it is quite reassuring that MTA vpt has a color change that signals when the material has set,” shared Dr. Tesic. “I appreciate its shorter setting time of 3 minutes, considerable radiopacity, and improved compressive strength,” she added.
While Dr. Cynthia Leung suggested the formula could be more fluid, Dr. Michael LeDonne praised the “very good handling, faster setting time, reasonable working time, and color stability.”
Clinical Benefits
Formulated with tricalcium silicate, MTA vpt is a biocompatible material that releases calcium and hydroxide ions to promote long-term pulp preservation. It provides a highly stable, bacteria-resistant seal and encourages remineralization.
“I had a teenage patient who just finished ortho treatment and had several deep cavities, with one looking like it was going to need a root canal,” shared Dr. Tesic. Because of the patient’s young age, she opted to try MTA vpt as a pulp capping material. “The patient had no symptoms after treatment and narrowly avoided a root canal,” she reported.
“MTA vpt definitely helps facilitate healing and repair within the tooth,” said Dr. Anand, who called it “great for pulp capping to help avoid prematurely losing a primary tooth or doing a more invasive procedure.” Pointing out additional benefits, she said, “It helped with sensitivity, preserved teeth as space holders, and helped make treatment faster and more predictable.”
Excited that she can “offer a possible solution vs a root canal treatment right away,” Dr. Leung shared, “I believe MTA vpt will provide a chance for pulpitis to be reversed. It gives me hope to save the tooth.” Noting “no patient complaints of postop sensitivity,” a Pittsburgh dentist said, “MTA vpt ensures that the vitality of the pulp is protected long term.”
Dr. Verma reported “successful pulpal therapy procedures on primary teeth as well as pulp capping on adult molars.”
Overall Satisfaction
Calling MTA vpt “a great product for all scopes of dentistry,” Dr. Jackfert said, “It should be in every dentist’s office due to its high success rate for pulpal therapy.” Dr. Lieberman declared, “MTA vpt is a valuable formulation that improves the quality of patient care and makes treatment easier.” Noting that “MTA vpt is a good armament to keep in your arsenal,” Dr. Tesic concluded, “Patients are always grateful to know they are receiving the best care and the latest materials.”
