HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of topical anesthetic?

1. To numb the entire area

2. To reduce or eliminate the initial pinch of an injection

3. To sedate the patient

4. To desensitize the gums

The correct answer is: To reduce or eliminate the initial pinch of an injection

The primary purpose of topical anesthetic is to reduce or eliminate the initial pinch of an injection. This type of anesthetic is applied directly to the mucous membranes before a needle is introduced, helping to minimize discomfort associated with the injection process. By numbing the surface tissues, individuals preparing for dental procedures experience a more comfortable start, which is especially important for patients who may have anxiety or fear about receiving injections. While it does numb the area, the focus of topical anesthetics is primarily on alleviating the sensation of the injection itself rather than providing complete numbness for a procedure. Sedation is a different process and involves medications that affect overall awareness and comfort but is not the function of a topical anesthetic. Similarly, while they desensitize the gums to some extent, the design and intent of these medications is targeted specifically at dealing with the discomfort of injections rather than offering broad desensitization throughout the entire area.