Objectives: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate possible bacteriostatic effects of provisional and permanent luting materials in a pseudo-realistic model. Methods: Chemically different temporary cements (TempBond, Kerr; ProCem,3M-ESPE; Aqua dentin, Woelm) as well as permanent luting materials for fixed dentures (PhosphaCem, Vivadent; KetacCem, 3M-ESPE; Compolute, 3M-ESPE) were subjected to a microbiologic in vitro trial. The study consisted of 5 sections: (1)evaluation of sterility of the original substances; (2)bacterial contamination through sterile and (3)non sterile processing; (4)contamination through dentinum surfaces infected by E. coli and (5)by human saliva. Contamination of the cement surfaces was tested using cultivation of bacteria on blood and endo agar culture media as well as on BHI agar and in liquid culture media. Results: All materials tested showed absolute sterility before and after processing under sterile conditions. Non sterile environmental conditions (10⁹CFU/ml) during mixing of the substances resulted in an average relative rate of contamination (RC) of 0% for TempBond, 28% for ProCem, 30% for Aqua dentin, 6% for PhosphaCem, 17% for KetacCem and 31% for Compolute (control=100%). For all concentrations of microbes, ANOVA revealed significant differences of RC between the single substances of the groups of temporary or permanant cements. Infected dentinum surfaces lead to a RC of 0-3% for temporary luting materials and of 3-10% for permanent cements; statistical differences within the groups were not relevant. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the tested temporary and permanent luting materials are capable to disinfect contaminated dentinum surfaces to a great extent. In addition, TempBond and PhosphaCem resist bacterial contamination caused by non sterile processing.

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