Pit & Fissure Sealants: The Added Link in Preventative Dentistry
Step Seven – Evaluate the Sealant

After the light cured sealant material is applied and the operator is satisfied all surfaces are coated using the correct amount, the sealant should remain undisturbed for 20 seconds before applying the curing light. This twenty-second delay allows the resin to flow into the etched surface. It takes about 30 seconds of concentrated visible light to set the light cure material. The tip of the curing light wand should be held approximately 3 to 5 mm from the surface of the sealant (Figure 17).

As previously stated the curing process for chemically cured sealant material begins as soon as the material is mixed. After the material is applied and the operator is satisfied all surfaces are coated using the correct amount, the sealant should remain undisturbed for 60 seconds. The sealant material will be completely cured 60 seconds after mixing.