The effect of eugenol containing and non-eugenol temporary cements on the resin-enamel bond

This study was undertaken to compare the effect of eugenol containing and non-eugenol temporary cements on the bond strength of three brands of luting cements to enamel. Flat enamel surfaces were prepared on 90 surgically removed, unerupted, human third molar teeth. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups of thirty. The flat enamel surfaces in two of the groups were treated with either a eugenol containing or non-eugenol temporary cement and the third group was left untreated. The teeth were stored in water for 7 days and the cements then removed and all surfaces etched. The teeth were divided into 9 sub-groups of 10 each and one of the three resin cements was then bonded to each sub-group. The relevant shear bond strengths were determined after 7 days. The results indicated that prior use of a eugenol containing temporary cement reduced the resin cement-enamel bond strengths. No differences were found between the bonds achieved by the three brands. It was concluded that eugenol containing temporary cements should not be used prior to bonding with resin luting cements.