Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been widely used in recent times for a number of applications in the field of dentistry. MTA was first described in dental scientific literature in 1993. The aim of this literature review is to update previously published information and present a comprehensive list of articles from November 1993 to December 2010 regarding the chemical and physical properties and mechanism of action of MTA. Parole chiave: mechanism of action, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), physicochemical properties, Portland cement