Final answer:
Light-cured sealants are dental materials used to prevent tooth decay by sealing the deep grooves and pits in the chewing surfaces of teeth. They are set using a special light that initiates a polymerization reaction. These sealants are different from filling materials like the metal alloy mentioned in LibreTexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Light-cured sealants refer to dental materials that are used to protect teeth from decay. They are typically applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars) where they form a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth. The term "light-cured" indicates that the sealant hardens or sets when exposed to a light of a specific wavelength, typically from a dental curing light. This light initiates a polymerization reaction in the sealant material, causing it to set quickly and adhere to the tooth surface. Sealants play a critical role in preventive dentistry. They essentially "seal" the deep grooves and pits in teeth that are prone to accumulating food particles and bacteria, leading to cavities. Unlike the sealant discussed in the reference, which stopped evaporation and helped plants grow new branches, dental sealants prevent bacteria and food particles from getting into the grooves of the teeth, thereby reducing the risk of tooth decay. It's important to differentiate dental sealants from other types of sealants or solutions. For example, LibreTexts™ mentions a solid solution used in dental fillings, which is an alloy containing metals like mercury, silver, tin, and copper. This substance serves as a filling material rather than a preventive sealant and is used after decay has been removed to fill the cavity.