HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

When local anesthesia is applied prior to treatment, what is typically injected after?

1. Oral medication

2. Topical anesthetic

3. Local anesthetic again

4. Inhalation sedation

The correct answer is: Local anesthetic again

When local anesthesia is applied prior to dental treatment, it is often supplemented with another injection of local anesthetic to ensure that the area remains numb during the procedure. This technique enhances the effectiveness of pain control by targeting specific nerves or tissue regions that may not have been fully anesthetized with the initial application. This is especially important for more extensive procedures, as it helps to ensure patient comfort and mitigate any pain sensation during the treatment. In contrast, options such as oral medication and inhalation sedation might be used for sedation or anxiety relief but do not directly complement the local anesthesia once it has already been administered. A topical anesthetic might be used before a local injection to minimize discomfort from the needle, but it is not typically injected afterward. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the continuation of local anesthetic use to maintain a suitable level of anesthesia throughout the dental procedure.