Pharmacology and Pain Management Flashcards

Which local anesthetic is most commonly used in dental practice?

Answer: Lidocaine

Lidocaine 2% is the most widely used local anesthetic in dentistry due to its effectiveness, rapid onset, and well-established safety profile.

What is the purpose of a vasoconstrictor added to local anesthetic solutions?

Answer: To prolong the duration of anesthesia and reduce systemic toxicity

Vasoconstrictors like epinephrine constrict blood vessels, keeping the anesthetic localized longer and reducing systemic absorption, which lowers toxicity risk.

Which injection technique anesthetizes the teeth and soft tissue of an entire mandibular quadrant?

Answer: Inferior alveolar nerve block

The inferior alveolar nerve block targets the inferior alveolar nerve, providing profound anesthesia to the teeth, bone, and soft tissues of an entire mandibular quadrant.

Topical anesthetics are applied before injections primarily to:

Answer: Numb surface tissue and reduce injection discomfort

Topical anesthetics numb the superficial mucosal tissue before the injection, reducing the discomfort the patient experiences from needle penetration.

What concentration of epinephrine is most commonly found in standard dental local anesthetic cartridges?

Answer: 1:100,000

The 1:100,000 concentration of epinephrine is standard in most dental anesthetic carpules, providing effective vasoconstriction while minimizing cardiovascular side effects.

Which of the following is an early sign of local anesthetic toxicity?

Answer: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Tinnitus is an early sign of local anesthetic toxicity, reflecting central nervous system stimulation before more serious symptoms like convulsions develop.

What is the primary purpose of nitrous oxide in dentistry?

Answer: To achieve conscious sedation and reduce patient anxiety

Nitrous oxide is used as an inhalation agent for conscious sedation, reducing anxiety and increasing pain threshold while the patient remains awake and responsive.