[The modification of the polymerization of composite materials by eugenol-containing temporary fillings]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of eugenol-containing temporary fillings on the polymerisation of composite materials. Cavities of 2 mm in diameter and 2 mm in depth were prepared in enamel as well as in dentine. Immediately after preparation the cavities of the control group were filled with a light curing composite, a chemical curing composite, or a light and chemical curing composite. The cavities of the experimental group were filled with Nobetec (temporary filling material containing zinc-oxide-eugenol). After six weeks, the Nobetec fillings were removed by means of an excavator, the cavities were cleaned with water and filled with one of the above six composites. The specimens were embedded in Epofix and afterwards cut through the center of the filling. The cut surfaces were polished to 3 microns and afterwards (> 4 days) the hardness was measured with a Knoop hardness testing machine at different distances from the cavity wall. The results of the control group and of the experimental group were compared statistically. The polymerisation of five of the six materials was not inhibited by a temporary filling material containing zinc-oxide-eugenol. The difference in hardness for Brilliant Lux (light curing) was fer-highly significant (p < 0.001) between 0 micron and 100 microns from the cavity margin, if the cavity was first filled with a temporary filling material, containing zinc-oxide-eugenol. The results show that there exist certain composite filling materials that are inhibited in their polymerisation by the tested eugenol containing temporary filling material.