This study investigated the effect of temporary cement remnants on freshly prepared dentin in the adhesion of resin cements. The tensile bond strength of three types of resin cements to dentin were measured in a control group and after the application of two types of temporary cement. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectoscopy were used to confirm the presence of temporary cement remnants. Overall results suggest that temporary cement application significantly decreased the tensile bond strength in all adhesive systems (P = 0.0001, analysis of variance). Scanning electron micrographs presented granula elements on the dentin surfaces treated with temporary cement even after preconditioning. Energy dispe rsive x-ray spectroscopy results shoed the presence of zinc peaks in the specimens that was not present in the control.