Oklahoma Pit and Fissure Sealants State Practice Exam

What property do light cured sealants exhibit once cured?

1. Fluidity

2. Solubility

3. Hardness

4. Flexibility

The correct answer is: Hardness

Light cured sealants, once cured, exhibit hardness as a key property. This hardness results from the polymerization process that occurs when the light-cured materials are exposed to a specific wavelength of light. During this process, the monomers in the sealant undergo a chemical reaction that transforms them into a solid polymer network, which gives the sealant its rigid structure. This hardness is critical because it allows the sealants to create a durable barrier against plaque and food particles in the pits and fissures of teeth, thereby helping to prevent caries. The rigid nature of the cured sealant ensures that it withstands the forces of mastication and maintains its protective function over time. In contrast, fluidity refers to the ability of a material to flow, which is not applicable to cured sealants; they should not flow once set. Solubility is the tendency of a substance to dissolve, which would compromise the sealant's integrity if it were soluble in saliva or other oral fluids. Flexibility, while useful in some dental materials, is not a desirable characteristic for pit and fissure sealants, which need to be firm and stable in order to effectively protect the tooth structure.