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Local Anesthesia -CDCA Board Exam Questions and Answers Latest Version Already Passed
What is the primary purpose of a vasoconstrictor in local anesthesia?✔✔ To prolong the anesthetic effect and reduce bleeding at the injection site.
How does body weight influence the maximum recommended dose of local anesthetic?✔✔ Heavier patients may tolerate higher doses, but calculations should always be based on mg/kg to avoid toxicity.
Why is it important to aspirate before injecting local anesthesia?✔✔ To ensure the needle is not in a blood vessel, preventing intravascular injection and systemic toxicity.
What is the most common cause of needle breakage during injection?✔✔ Sudden, unexpected patient movement or bending the needle against bone.
Which nerve block provides anesthesia to the entire mandibular arch on one side? 1 / 3
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✔✔ Inferior alveolar nerve block.
What is the term for the loss of sensation in a specific area without loss of consciousness?✔✔ Local anesthesia.
Why should topical anesthetic be applied before needle insertion?✔✔ To reduce discomfort from the initial needle puncture.
What is the most serious complication of local anesthetic overdose?✔✔ Central nervous system toxicity leading to seizures or cardiac arrest.
How does epinephrine affect the duration of local anesthesia?✔✔ It constricts blood vessels, slowing absorption and extending the anesthetic effect.
What is the safest way to manage a patient with a history of local anesthetic allergy?✔✔ Use an alternative anesthetic from a different chemical class (e.g., ester vs. amide).
What is paresthesia, and how can it occur with local anesthesia? 2 / 3
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✔✔ Prolonged or permanent nerve tingling/numbness, often due to trauma from the needle or solution.
Why is the maxillary infiltration technique often preferred over blocks for anterior teeth?✔✔ The porous bone allows effective diffusion of anesthetic to the tooth apex.
What is the key difference between ester and amide local anesthetics?✔✔ Esters are metabolized in plasma and more likely to cause allergies; amides are metabolized in the liver.
How does inflammation at the injection site affect anesthetic efficacy?✔✔ Lower pH in inflamed tissue reduces the availability of free base anesthetic, decreasing effectiveness.
What is the "walking" technique for needle insertion?✔✔ Advancing the needle in small increments while depositing anesthetic to minimize discomfort.
Why is the Gow-Gates mandibular block considered an alternative to the inferior alveolar block?
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