Topical and Local Anesthesia for Dental Procedures

In today’s episode of Smile Squad Academy, we’re diving into the essentials of topical and local anesthesia—core skills every dental assistant must know to provide a smooth and comfortable experience for patients.

We’ll walk you through the difference between topical and local anesthesia, how topical anesthetics work only on the surface of the oral mucosa, and why they are so crucial for minimizing the infamous "needlestick" discomfort. You’ll also learn about their additional uses like desensitizing teeth and reducing the gag reflex.

We break down best practices for applying topical anesthesia, including reviewing the patient’s medical history, drying the tissue thoroughly, and proper application techniques. Plus, we’ll cover why topical anesthetics are stronger in concentration than injected local anesthetics and the various forms they come in—gels, liquids, ointments, and sprays.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to:

• Differentiate between topical and local anesthesia.
• Understand the key steps for safe and effective application.
• Build patient trust and comfort through excellent anesthesia techniques.

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