National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

For which of the following situations might a topical anesthetic be used?

1. During initial patient assessments

2. Prior to administering local anesthesia

3. After treatment to numb discomfort

4. For cosmetic procedures only

The correct answer is: Prior to administering local anesthesia

Topical anesthetics are primarily used to minimize discomfort before the administration of local anesthesia. Their purpose is to numb the surface of the tissue where the local anesthetic will be injected, making the injection itself more comfortable for the patient. By applying a topical anesthetic beforehand, dental professionals can significantly reduce the initial pain or discomfort that might be associated with the injection of local anesthetics. While other scenarios, such as after treatment or for cosmetic procedures, may involve the use of anesthetics, topical anesthetics specifically serve the purpose of preparing a patient for local anesthesia. During initial assessments, there typically isn't a need for any anesthetic, as this phase usually involves gathering medical history and examining the patient's oral health.