Chapter 6 Topical Anesthesia – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
            Topical
answer
        implies that the anesthetic will be applied to a body surface such as the skin or mucous membrane
question
            Uses of topical anesthetic
answer
        -before local anesthetic injection -tx of minor injuries to the gingiva and oral mucosa -increase comfort during minor dental and hygiene procedures -reduce a patient's gag reflex while taking radiographs or impressions
question
            True OR False:  Topical anesthetics can replace local anesthesia
answer
        False; Topical anesthetics should not replace local anesthesia because they do not provide pulpal anesthesia and will not be effective if root sensitivity is a concern
question
            True OR False: Topical anesthetics are available OTC
answer
        True; people of all ages can use them to ease pain from canker sores, braces, teething, apthous ulcers, dentures, toothaches, etc.
question
            Ideal characteristics of a topical anesthetic
answer
        - nonallergenic -produce no damage to the tissue -pain-free application -have an acceptable taste -remain at site of application -produce reliable, effective anesthesia with sufficient duration  -does not induce systemic toxicity
question
            What is the mechanism of action of topical anesthetics?
answer
        Similar to their injectable counterparts: block nerve conduction at the surface, the permeability of sodium ions is decreased resulting in decreased polarization and an increased excitability threshold thus loss of sensation
question
            Topical anesthetics, however, do not contain a _________ and have a _______ concentration in order to diffuse through the mucous membrane.
answer
        vasoconstrictor;higher
question
            Topical agents are available as.....
answer
        -gels -creams -ointments -sprays (metered and unmetered) -liquids -lozenges
question
            Depending on the form, concentrations can range from ___% to ___%
answer
        0.2%-20%
question
            Topical should remain at site for _____ minutes to ensure effectiveness
answer
        1-2 minutes
question
            What is the depth of topical anesthesia?
answer
        2-3mm
question
            Which anesthetic has the FDA released advisory statement regarding methemoglobinemia?
answer
        Benzocaine; Methemoglobin builds up in the blood, hindering the effective transport of oxygen to body tissues *should not be used under two years old
question
            Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia
answer
        pale, gray, or blue colored skin, lips and/or nail beds, fatigue, shortness of breath, heartache, lightheadedness  *occur within minutes to hours after topical benzocaine admin.
question
            What signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia occur at the site of injection?
answer
        -irritation -stinging or burning - sloughing  -tissue discoloration -temporary alteration of taste
question
            Where are the most prominent effects of topical anesthetics?
answer
        The CNS; excitatory effects are the initial signs and symptoms of an overdose (brief or not at all). Other signs include: -dizziness -tinnitus -visual disturbances -disorientation -unusual nervousness or apprehension -localized involuntary muscular activity
question
            CNS depression
answer
        results in slurred speech, drowsiness, and respiratory impairment
question
            Toxic overdose
answer
        results in seizures, unconsciousness, and respiratory impairment
question
            Which group(s) of people are we concerned with methemoglobinemia?
answer
        -children under the age of 2 -adults with breathing problems (asthma, emphysema, COPD) -those with heart disease -smokers
question
            What new product has been developed that delivers dental anesthetic by way of nasal spray
answer
        Kovacaine mist; 3% tetracaine HCL with 0.05% oxymetazoline HCL
question
            Transdermal
answer
        patch placed directly on the skin *Synera, Lidoderm
question
            Transoral patch
answer
        The first FDA approved patch for intraoral placement  *Dentipatch
question
            Benzocaine
answer
        an ester; one of the more common and widely used and it exists almost entirely in its base form, making absorption slow therefore it has a low potential for systemic toxicity
question
            Available concentrations of Benzocaine
answer
        ranges from 6-20% -gel, cream, ointment, lozenge, liquid, spray, and patch
question
            Mostly commonly used concentrations of benzocaine
answer
        20%
question
            Benzocaine onset of action
answer
        rapid, onset can occur as early as 30 seconds and have its peak affect at 2 minutes
question
            Benzocaine duration
answer
        5 to 15 minutes
question
            Maximum recommended dose of benzocaine
answer
        There is no published MRD
question
            Metabolism/excretion of benzocaine
answer
        metabolized via hydrolyzed in plasma and to a lesser extent in the liver by cholinesterase. Excretion occurs primarily through kidneys with only a small portion remaining unchanged in urine
question
            Benzocaine & pregnancy and lactation
answer
        FDA category C/excretion in breastmilk is unknown, use with caution
question
            Special Considerations for benzocaine
answer
        Methemoglobinemia has been reported following topical anesthesia use, particularly with higher concentrations of 14-20% spray applications applied to the mouth and mucous membrane. Should not be used children younger than 2 years old.
question
            Lidocaine
answer
        good alternative is patient has a sensitivity to esters, most commonly as an ointment
question
            What two forms is lidocaine available in?
answer
        As a base or a hydrochloride salt
question
            Base form of lidocaine
answer
        poorly water soluble and has poor penetration as well as absorption abilities; preferred for application to mucous membranes and covering large areas
question
            Hydrochloride salt from of lidocaine
answer
        Water soluble and easily penetrates and is absorbed by the tissues, significantly increasing the risk of toxicity
question
            Available concentrations of Lidocaine
answer
        most common in 2% or 5% -ointment, spray, patch, solution
question
            Lidocaine onset of action
answer
        between 2 and 10 minutes
question
            Lidocaine duration
answer
        depends on the method of applications approx. 15 to 45 minutes
question
            Maximum recommended dose of lidocaine
answer
        200mg (300mg manufacturer recommendation)
question
            Metabolism/excretion of lidocaine
answer
        metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys with less than 10% remaining unchanged
question
            Lidocaine & pregnancy and lactation
answer
        FDA category B/enters breastmilk in small amounts, use with caution
question
            Special Considerations for Lidocaine
answer
        Always follow a manufacture's application directions and ask questions of physician staff if necessary
question
            Which local anesthetic has a unique classification that is neither an amide or an ester, but a ketone?
answer
        Dyclonine hydrochloride
question
            Who is Dyclonine hydrochloride good for?
answer
        Patients with sensitivities to traditional topical anesthetics *available OTC as Sucrets lozenges
question
            Available concentrations of Dyclonine hydrochloride
answer
        formulated for use in dentistry as 0.5% or 1% solution -lozenges
question
            Dyclonine hydrochloride onset of action
answer
        slow; may take up to 10 minutes to become effective
question
            Dyclonine hydrochloride duration
answer
        average duration is 30 minutes; however effects may last up to an hour
question
            Maximum recommended dose of Dyclonine hydrochloride
answer
        200mg (40mL of 0.5% solution or 20mL of 1% solution)
question
            Metabolism/excretion of Dyclonine hydrochloride
answer
        No information is available
question
            Dyclonine hydrochloride & pregnancy and lactation
answer
        FDA category C/caution is recommended during lactation
question
            Tetracycline hydrochloride
answer
        ester; considered the most potent topical and is typically combined with other drugs
question
            Available concentrations of Tetracycline hydrochloride
answer
        2%
question
            Tetracycline hydrochloride onset of action
answer
        slow; peak effects may take up to 20 minutes
question
            Tetracycline hydrochloride duration
answer
        approx. 45 minutes
question
            Maximum recommended dose of Tetracycline hydrochloride
answer
        20mg for topical administration; 1mL of a 2% solution
question
            Metabolism/excretion of Tetracycline hydrochloride
answer
        metabolized by plasma pseudocholinesterase/ excreted by the kidneys
question
            Tetracycline hydrochloride & pregnancy and lactation
answer
        FDA category C/ caution is recommended during lactation
question
            Special Considerations for Tetracycline hydrochloride
answer
        Highly soluble in lipids, making absorption into local tissues very rapid
question
            Why are topical anesthetic agents mixed and used in combinations?
answer
        To increase the anesthetic effect
question
            What is Cetacaine a combination of?
answer
        ester, triple action formula of benzocaine, butamben, and tetracaine Benzocaine- provides quick onset Tetracaine- allows deeper penetration, thus increased duration of action
question
            Available concentrations of Cetacaine
answer
        triple-active formula of benzocaine 14%, butamben 2%, and tetracaine hydrochloride 2% -prescription only spray, liquid, gel forms
question
            Cetacaine onset of action
answer
        rapid; approx. 30 seconds
question
            Cetacaine duration
answer
        typically 30-60 minutes
question
            Maximum recommended dose of Cetacaine
answer
        Spray administered for 1 second, gel & liquid 200mg
question
            Metabolism/excretion of Cetacaine
answer
        hydrolysis via cholinesterase
question
            Cetacaine & pregnancy and lactation
answer
        FDA pregnancy category C/ use caution while nursing
question
            Special Considerations for Cetacaine
answer
        Tetracaine is highly-lipid soluble, making absorption into local tissues very rapid. not suitable for injection
question
            Eutectic mixture
answer
        a mixture of two elements that together have a lower melting temperature than any of the individual components, this increases the concentration and enhances the drug's properties, resulting in a faster more penetrating longer-acting agents
question
            EMLA (eutectic mixtures of local anesthetics)
answer
        amide; the composition of 2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine as an oil-in water emulsion
question
            EMLA is available as a
answer
        cream or disc, and may require an occlusal dressing
question
            EMLA uses include
answer
        venipuncture, circumcision, and minor gynecologic procedures; intact, non-mucosal skin
question
            When used as directed systemic toxicity is _____
answer
        low; however if utilized not as prescribed the systemic absorption of lidocaine and prilocaine may become a side effect
question
            True OR False: The FDA released a public safety advisory expressing concerns and warning the public of potential danger associated with EMLA
answer
        True
question
            The first documented use of lidocaine/prilocaine used in the oral cavity was done in 1985 by _____ and ______.
answer
        Holst and Evers
question
            Available concentrations of EMLA
answer
        2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine *not available for intraoral use
question
            EMLA onset of action
answer
        Satisfactory results achieved in 1 hour, wit exceptions of genital mucosa which is 10-15 minutes. None reported for intraoral use
question
            EMLA duration
answer
        No information reported for intraoral use
question
            Maximum recommended dose of EMLA
answer
        No information reported for intraoral use
question
            Metabolism/excretion of EMLA
answer
        Primarily in the liver
question
            EMLA & pregnancy and lactation
answer
        As a eutectic mixture, FDA category B. Caution should be taken during lactation
question
            Which anesthetic has the same composition as EMLA but can be used intraorally?
answer
        Oraqix and is a gel
question
            Oraqix is a
answer
        amide; microemulsion in which the oil phase is a eutectic mixture in a ratio 1:1 weight
question
            Oraqix remains as a _____ at room temperature in the cartridge, it begins to ______ into a gel upon application into the periodontal pocket an reaching body temperature.
answer
        liquid, thicken
question
            True OR False: Oraqix provides both pulpal and gingival anesthesia
answer
        False; it only provides gingival comfort during prophylaxis, periodontal assessment, and NSPT
question
            Available concentrations of Oraqix
answer
        5% periodontal gel (2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine)
question
            Oraqix onset of action
answer
        Occurs by 30 seconds, longer wait time does not enhance the anesthetic effect
question
            Oraqix duration
answer
        Approx. 30 minutes (average 14-31 minutes)
question
            Maximum recommended dose of Oraqix
answer
        Five cartridges at one treatment session
question
            Metabolism/excretion of Oraqix
answer
        Mainly metabolized in the liver
question
            Oraqix & pregnancy and lactation
answer
        FDA pregnancy category B/ caution should be taken if administered to nursing mother
question
            Special Considerations for Oraqix
answer
        Do not inject!
question
            Which is the following topical anesthetics is classified as an amide? A. Benzocaine B. Lidocaine C. Tetracaine D. Dyclonine
answer
        B. Lidocaine
question
            Benzocaine is available in all of the following preparations EXCEPT one. Which one is is the exception? A. Cream B. Gel C. Spray D. Patch E. Injectable
answer
        E. Injectable
question
            All of the following statements are true except one, which one is the exception? A. Allergic reactions associated with topical is rare B. Topical anesthetic are made available OTC C. The more topical placed at the site of needle penetration, the better D. Tetracaine hydrochloride is considered the most potent topical anesthetic
answer
        C. The more topical placed at the site of needle penetration, the better
question
            Which of the following topical anesthetics has the FDA pregnancy category B? A. Tetracaine hydrochloride B. Benzocaine C. Lidocaine/prilocaine D. Dyclonine hydrochloride
answer
        C. Lidocaine/prilocaine
question
            Which of the following would be an indication for use of a topical anesthetic? A. To minimize patient's gag reflex  B. To numb a patient's tongue so they will stop talking C. To achieve pulpal anesthesia  D. To achieve anesthesia of the bone
answer
        A. To minimize patient's gag reflex
question
            All of the following are true regarding maximum recommended doses for topical anesthesia EXCEPT: A. It is difficult to monitor exact doses given B. Patches are a good way to monitor exact doses C. MRD dose not exist for all topical anesthetics D. Exact doses can be measured using a cotton tip applicator
answer
        D. Exact doses can be measured using a cotton tip applicator
question
            Concentrations available in OTC products can be as high as those administered professionally in the dental office. A. True B. False
answer
        A. True
question
            Which of the following topical anesthetics do not always require a prescription? A. EMLA B. Cetacaine C. Oraqix D. Benzocaine
answer
        D. Benzocaine
question
            All of the following are considered ideal properties of a topical anesthetic except which one? A. It should produce no damage to the tissue B. It should have an acceptable taste C. It should not induce systemic toxicity D. It should be allergenic
answer
        D. It should be allergenic
question
            Which method of delivery is recommended to to decrease the risk of methemoglobinemia? A. Unmetered spray B. Metered spray C. Unmetered spray with disposable nozzle D. Metered spray with disposable nozzle
answer
        D. Metered spray with disposable nozzle *Metered spray with disposable nozzle. Both of these features help to minimize the risk systemic toxicity and/or overdose. The disposable nozzle allows the clinician to direct the spray specifically to the desired area, while the metered spray allows control over how much is applied.
question
            Topical anesthetics generally penetrate _____ into the tissue. A. 1 to 2mm B. 2 to 3mm C. 3 to 4mm D. 4 to 5mm
answer
        B. 2 to 3mm
question
            Which of the following local anesthetics agents is found in Oraqix? A. Mepivacaine B. Prilocaine C. Procaine D. Benzocaine E. Articaine
answer
        B. Prilocaine
question
            The concentrations of topical anesthetics are greater than those of their injectable counterparts. Topical anesthetics do not contain vasoconstrictors. A. The first statement is true, the second is false B. The first statement is false, the second is true C. Both statements are true D. Both statements are false
answer
        C. Both statements are true
question
            All of the following describe advantages of single unit-dose applications of topical anesthetics EXCEPT which one: A. Prevents cross-contamination B. Doses administered can be monitored C. Less messy D. Requires less administration time
answer
        D. Requires less administration time
question
            EMLA is approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration for use on which of the following: A. Intact skin B. Mucous membranes C. Hard palate D. Soft palate
answer
        A. Intact skin *Even though studies do exist on the effectiveness of EMLA cream used intraorally, the cream is not approved by the FDA for intraoral use.
question
            Pulpal anesthesia can be achieved using 2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine gel mixture. A. True B. False
answer
        B. False *This eutectic mixture, when at room temperature, is in the form of a gel developed to be placed down inside the periodontal pocket. It is capable of penetrating only into the periodontal pocket, blocking nerve conductions only in the gingival tissue, and cannot be used to achieve pulpal anesthesia.
question
            Which of the following anesthetics is considered a ketone? A. Benzocaine B. Dyclonine hydrochloride  C. Lidocaine D. A and B
answer
        B. Dyclonine hydrochloride
question
            If plasma concentrations become to high in the body, the most prominent systemic effect will occur in which of the following systems? A. Respiratory  B. Cardiovascular C. Central nervous system D. B and C
answer
        D. B and C *Excitatory effects of the central nervous system are often displayed at the initial sign of overdose. These signs and symptoms include dizziness, visual disturbances, tinnitus, disorientation, unusual nervousness or apprehension, and localized involuntary muscular activity. In the cardiovascular system, patients may experience bradycardia and hypotension, leading to rare cases of cardiac arrest.
question
            Allergic reactions associated with topical anesthetics appear at the site. It is not necessary to review a patient's medical history before applying a topical anesthetic agent. A. The first statement is true, the second is false B. The first statement is false, the second is true C. Both statements are true D. Both statements are false
answer
        A. The first statement is true, the second is false
question
            All of the following are possible localized adverse reactions associated with topical anesthetics EXCEPT one. A. Burning or stinging  B. Sloughing C. Tissue discoloration D. A and B E. Increased heart rate
answer
        E. Increased heart rate