Antibacterial activity and tensile strength of provisional cements modified with fluoridecontaining varnish.

Objective: To test three noneugenol provisional cements (TempBond NE, RelyX Temp NE, and Freegenol) for their antibacterial properties and to test the hypothesis that addition of fluoride varnish confers antibacterial properties on these provisional cements without compromising their tensile strength.

Method And Materials: A total of 576 cylindrical samples were prepared (96 of each of six types) from three noneugenol provisional cements, both unmodified and modified by the addition of 5% w/w Duraphat fluoride varnish. The samples were aged in saline that was replaced twice a week for up to 90 days.