Pit & Fissure Sealants: The Added Link in Preventative Dentistry
Step Six – Apply the Sealant Material

It is important to be familiar with the particular sealant material being used. Some clinicians find it helpful to place a photocopy of the manufacturer’s instructions on the tray set-up and review them before beginning the procedure.

Chemically cured sealant material includes two components that must be mixed just before placement. The curing process starts as soon as the materials are mixed and there is a limited amount of time when the material can be successfully placed in the pits and fissures.

Light cured sealant material is placed as dispensed without any mixing. The curing process does not begin until it is exposed to the light source. (Figure 16).

Sealant material is placed on the prepared tooth using a syringe (Figure 16). Regardless of how it is delivered, it is important to limit the amount of material. The sealant material should be placed only in the pits and fissures. Too much material can result in occlusal interference. Over manipulation of the product may result in bubbles. Although occlusal interference is not a major concern, the amount of material should also be limited when sealing pits and fissures on lingual and buccal surfaces.