Purpose: Methods for removing temporary cement with an antibacterial effect might improve prosthetic treatment prognosis.
Materials and methods: Three removal methods were assessed: (1) immersion of an acrylic provisional restoration in a temporary cement dissolver (Temp-off); (2) mechanical removal with a dental explorer; and (3) sandblasting. Two temporary cements, one with eugenol (Temp-Bond) and one without eugenol (Temp-Bond NE) and of two thicknesses (100 μm and 250 μm), were examined.
Results: Immersion in Temp-off produced the most effective bacterial count decrease compared to the other methods (P < .05). No significant difference was found between the two cement types, although the decrease in count was more evident in the thicker (250 μm) cement layer.
Conclusion: Temp-off dissolving liquid used for removal of temporary cement exhibited an antibacterial effect and nonmechanical cleaning ability.