National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What is the effect of administering a topical anesthetic prior to injections?

1. It makes the injection more painful

2. It enhances the patient’s anxiety

3. It prevents pain during the injection

4. It prolongs the procedure

The correct answer is: It prevents pain during the injection

Administering a topical anesthetic prior to injections serves to numb the surface tissues of the area where the injection will take place. This application minimizes the sensation of pain or discomfort that patients might otherwise feel when the needle penetrates the skin or mucosa. By effectively dulling the local nerves, the topical anesthetic creates a more comfortable experience for the patient, thus facilitating easier and less traumatic administration of the injectable anesthetic. The application of topical anesthetic is a common practice to improve patient comfort and reduce anxiety related to dental procedures. It's particularly important in procedures where patients may be apprehensive or sensitive to pain. This technique not only aids in pain management but can also increase patient cooperation during the procedure. The other choices do not accurately describe the primary purpose of a topical anesthetic. It does not make the injection more painful; rather, it reduces pain. Similarly, it is unlikely to enhance anxiety; in fact, it is often used to decrease anxiety by minimizing discomfort. Lastly, while the use of a topical anesthetic may add a few moments to the procedure due to the time taken to allow it to take effect, its primary purpose is not to prolong the procedure but to ensure a more comfortable injection experience for the patient.