This study examined the influence of eugenol on the dentinal adhesion of an enamel-dentin bonding agent that removes the smear layer (total-etch technique) and a system that partially dissolves the smear layer (self-conditioning adhesive system). The tensile bond strength was measured on flat, dentinal surfaces after application and removal of pure eugenol for 15 minutes and a eugenol-containing temporary luting agent for 24 hours. In addition, the resin-dentin interface was evaluated with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Dentinal adhesion was found to be significantly reduced after the application of eugenol when a dentin bonding agent that dissolves the smear layer was used. Underconfocal laser scanning microscopy, the resin-dentin interdiffusion zone of both adhesives was found to be changed, not only after application of eugenol but also after application of a eugenol-containing temporary luting agent.