effect of zinc oxide-eugenol temporary restorations on bond strength of composite resin

Introduction: effect of zinc oxide-eugenol (zo-e) on bond strength of composite is equivocal. the aim of the present study was to determine if zo-e affects shear bond strength. methods: for the purposes of the study, extracted human molar teeth were ground so thatcomposite rods could be bonded to dentine. in group 1, dentine was not exposed to zo-e. in group 2, zo-e was applied to dentine for 10 days prior to acid etching and bonding the composite. a universal testing machine was used to determine the composite’s shear bond strength. data were analyzed using t-test. results: mean score of shear bond strengths were 137.15 (± 46.82) and 140.08 (± 40.39) n for groups 1 and 2, respectively, with no statistically significant difference. majority of samples in group 1 (74% vs. 65%) had “clean breaks” where the composite fractured without any dentine attached, while the rest of the samples had some dentine attached. conclusions: zo-e can be used for temporary fillings without affecting bond strength of subsequent composite restorations.