Purpose: To investigate the influence of eugenol-containing temporary cement on bonding of resin composite to dentin mediated by self-etching adhesives. Materials and Methods: Flat dentin surfaces were produced by grinding of extracted human molars. The dentin surfaces were either used directly or after a one-week exposure to a zinc oxide-eugenol cement (IRM). A resin composite (Herculite XRV) was bonded to the dentin surfaces following treatment with 1 of 6 self-etching adhesives (AdheSE, Adper Prompt L-Pop, Clearfil SE Bond, iBond, OptiBond Solo Plus - Self-Etch Adhesive System, and Xeno III). An adhesive system containing 0.5 M EDTA as dentin conditioner (Gluma Classic) was included as negative control, and an etch-and-rinse adhesive system (OptiBond FL) was included as positive control. After storage in water at 37°C for 1 week, the bonded specimens were fractured in shear (n = 8 in each group). Results: Previous contact of dentin with zinc oxide-eugenol cement significantly decreased the bond strength mediated by the negative control and did not affect the bond strength mediated by the positive control. For the self-etching adhesives, no effect was found of previous contact with zinc oxide-eugenol cement. With and without previous contact with zinc oxide-eugenol cement, the etch-and-rinse adhesive system yielded a significantly higher bond strength than all other adhesive systems. Conclusion: Previous contact with zinc oxide-eugenol cement did not decrease the bond strength of resin composite to dentin mediated by self-etching adhesives. This finding suggests that eugenol-containing temporary cements may be safe to use in combination with self-etching adhesives.

Keywords: adhesion, bond strength, resin composite