National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What is a primary consideration for the practitioner when selecting a local anesthetic?

1. Patient’s age

2. Duration of action

3. Cost of the anesthetic

4. Color of the anesthetic

The correct answer is: Duration of action

The duration of action is a primary consideration for the practitioner when selecting a local anesthetic because it directly affects the length of time the patient will remain numb in the affected area, which is crucial for the type of procedure being performed. Different dental procedures require varying lengths of anesthesia. For instance, a simple filling may only need a short-acting anesthetic, while a more extensive procedure, like a tooth extraction, may require a longer-lasting anesthetic to ensure patient comfort and effective pain management throughout the procedure. Selecting an anesthetic with an appropriate duration helps in minimizing discomfort and the need for additional injections, which can enhance the overall experience for the patient. Additionally, the duration of action can determine how soon a patient can resume normal activities after treatment, influencing the choice of anesthetic based on the anticipated recovery time. While factors such as the patient's age, the cost of the anesthetic, and the color of the anesthetic might also play roles in decision-making, they do not typically hold the same level of importance regarding the effectiveness of pain control during the procedure.