The effect of zinc oxide-eugenol on the shear bond strength of a commonly used bonding system

It has been claimed that eugenol has a detrimental effect on resin composites and dentin bonding systems. The aim of the present study was to examine whether zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) cement would reduce the efficacy of a bonding system. Human third molars were selected for the study, and cylindrical posts of a resin composite (Z100) were bonded vertically to a standardized flat dentinal surface, prepared on the buccal surface of the teeth and treated with Scotchbond Multi-Purpose. The tooth surfaces involved were either freshly cut, or had been exposed to ZOE cement for 6 days, with and without a subsequent thorough cleansing with ethanol. The bond strength in shear was measured after 24 hours. The results showed that ZOE cement had no negative effect on the bond strength of the resin composite (Z100) to dentin when this bonding system was used. The mean shear bond value for the specimens covered with ZOE cement for 6 days was 28.1 MPa. For specimens covered with ZOE cement and cleansed with 96% ethanol, the mean shear bond value was 23.5 MPa. The corresponding value for the controls was 19.0 MPa. These findings suggested that eugenol-containing temporary filling materials may be used safely prior to inserting resin based restorative materials, when Scotchbond Multi-Purpose is employed as the bonding agent.