Vital tooth cleaning for cementation of indirect restorations: a review

This article reviews factors that must be considered to select the best technique for cleaning a vital tooth prior to cementation of a definitive restoration. The dental literature offers many suggestions with supporting rationales. In cases where provisional cement has been present or contrast powder has been used, some mechanical cleaning (with fine pumice or prophy paste) appears to be justified. The value of soaps or other chemicals is questionable except perhaps as topical disinfectants. Dentists should be aware that a cleansing agent may have a negative or positive effect on bond strength, depending on the adhesive system chosen. It may be necessary to tailor the particular method of tooth cleaning to the cement that is to be used.