Objectives: Demineralization of tooth preparations under provisional crowns has detrimental effects on Prosthodontic care. Significant demineralization of tooth structure may occur due to microleakage between the intaglio surface of the crown and the prepared dentin wall, leading to unnecessary repairs, increasing cost, time and potential failure. This study evaluated fluoride varnish as a provisional luting agent. Methods: Twenty-five extracted human third molars were prepared for a full gold crown and restored with provisional crowns using autopolmerizing resin. Crowns were seated with either: no luting agent; a glass ionomer cement (Rely-X); 5% NaF Varnish (Duraphat) as the luting agent; non-eugenol ZnO provisional cement (TempBondNE) or a combination varnish and provisional cement (n=5/group). Teeth were covered in an acid-resistant sealant except for a 1 x 7 mm window across the facial margin. Specimens were exposed to thermocycling (5^o to 55^o C, 1000 cycles, 30s/cycle) followed by exposure to a buffered chemical demineralization solution (2.2mM CaCl2, 2.2mM NaH2PO4, 0.05 M acetic acid, pH 4.50). Crowns were removed and 100 – 150 μm sections made through the exposed window. The lesions were analyzed with a polarized light microscope, and digital images made and analyzed with an image analysis system. Results: Fluoride varnish alone and used with Tempbond NE significantly reduced the total area of demineralization, (Varnish: 10547 +/- 7640μm², TempBond NE: 24157 +/- 18345, negative control: 20786 +/- 4999, positive control: 39121 +/- 10753) P<0.01 and P<0.05 respectively, compared to the absence of a luting agent. No statistical difference occurred between Rely-X and fluoride varnish in reducing the area of demineralization or between Tempbond NE and fluoride varnish. Conclusion: This study shows that fluoride varnish is as effective at reducing the total area of demineralization as a glass ionomer cement or a non-eugenol provisional cement under these conditions. Supported by NIH/NIDCR T32 DEO14678.

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