No anesthetic “numbing” is needed to place sealants, as they do not hurt to apply. To prepare the teeth, the top grooved area is thoroughly cleaned. Then cotton may be placed on either side of the tooth. The tooth must be dry for the sealant to bond to the enamel. Then the sealant is flowed into the grooves and a blue light is shined on the tooth for 30 seconds. The light hardens the sealant and bonds it to the enamel. The bite will then be checked. If there are any places where the sealant is a little too thick, the dentist will smooth the spot down until it is comfortable.