National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

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In local anesthetics, how does the vasoconstrictor ratio affect its percentage?

  1. A smaller ratio indicates a higher percentage of vasoconstrictor

  2. A larger ratio indicates a higher percentage of vasoconstrictor

  3. It has no effect on percentage

  4. It indicates the potency of the anesthetic only

The correct answer is: A smaller ratio indicates a higher percentage of vasoconstrictor

In the context of local anesthetics, the ratio of vasoconstrictor to anesthetic significantly impacts the percentage of the vasoconstrictor present in the formulation. A smaller ratio means that there is a greater amount of vasoconstrictor relative to the anesthetic agent. This is important because vasoconstrictors enhance the effectiveness of local anesthetics by constricting blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the area and prolongs the duration of anesthesia. When a formulation has a smaller ratio, it translates to a higher concentration of the vasoconstrictor, which can improve the efficacy of the anesthetic by maintaining its action in the target area for a longer time, thus allowing for more effective pain management during dental procedures. This understanding emphasizes the importance of ratio in determining the characteristics of local anesthetics, particularly how they function in practice.

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