Chapter 06: Topical Anesthetic Agents
UPDATED Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
List common forms of topical anesthetics used in dentistry. - CORRECT ANSWER - Gel,
spray, liquid, ointment, and one patch form
List the methods for delivery of topical anesthetic drugs - CORRECT ANSWER - Cotton tip
applicators, sprays, brushes, patches, blunted cannulas and/or syringes, and single-dose
applicator swabs
The over-the-counter product Anbesol with benzocaine can be safely used by all family
members. - CORRECT ANSWER - False
Correct: Anbesol comes in a variety of strengths. One concentration cannot be used safely by all
family members.
Although topical anesthetics are generally regarded as safe, if used improperly they can produce
adverse reactions that are fatal. - CORRECT ANSWER - True
A patient presents to your dental office the day after her dental appointment complaining of
swelling and itching on the right side of her face. You should reassure the patient that it is not
possible that her symptoms are related to dental anesthesia. - CORRECT ANSWER - False
Correct: Some allergic reactions occur up to 2 days after the anesthetic is given.
Benzocaine topical anesthetic exists almost entirely in its base form, making absorption into
circulation high. - CORRECT ANSWER - False
Correct: Benzocaine topical anesthetic exists almost entirely in its base form, making absorption
into circulation low.
The published maximum dosage recommendation for the topical anesthetic benzocaine is 200
mg. - CORRECT ANSWER - False
, Correct: The published maximum dosage recommendations for benzocaine have not been
established and do not exist.
Lidocaine is metabolized in the liver and excreted via the kidneys with less than 10% remaining
unchanged. - CORRECT ANSWER - True
The most commonly found form of lidocaine is in base form because it is water soluble and can
easily penetrate and be absorbed into the tissues. - CORRECT ANSWER - False
Correct: The base form is poorly soluble in water and has poor penetration and absorption
abilities.
Tetracaine hydrochloride has a rather slow onset of action; however, it can last approximately 45
minutes. - CORRECT ANSWER - True
What is the name of a common ester topical anesthetic?
a. Lidocaine
b. Dyclonine hydrochloride
c. Prilocaine 2.5%
d. Benzocaine - CORRECT ANSWER -D
Benzocaine is the name of a common ester topical anesthetic. Lidocaine and prilocaine are
amides, and dyclonine hydrochloride is a ketone.
What is the name of a common ketone topical anesthetic?
a. Lidocaine
b. Dyclonine hydrochloride
c. Tetracaine hydrochloride
d. Benzocaine - CORRECT ANSWER -B
Dyclonine hydrochloride is the name of a common ketone topical anesthetic. Lidocaine is an
amide, and tetracaine hydrochloride and benzocaine are esters.
UPDATED Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
List common forms of topical anesthetics used in dentistry. - CORRECT ANSWER - Gel,
spray, liquid, ointment, and one patch form
List the methods for delivery of topical anesthetic drugs - CORRECT ANSWER - Cotton tip
applicators, sprays, brushes, patches, blunted cannulas and/or syringes, and single-dose
applicator swabs
The over-the-counter product Anbesol with benzocaine can be safely used by all family
members. - CORRECT ANSWER - False
Correct: Anbesol comes in a variety of strengths. One concentration cannot be used safely by all
family members.
Although topical anesthetics are generally regarded as safe, if used improperly they can produce
adverse reactions that are fatal. - CORRECT ANSWER - True
A patient presents to your dental office the day after her dental appointment complaining of
swelling and itching on the right side of her face. You should reassure the patient that it is not
possible that her symptoms are related to dental anesthesia. - CORRECT ANSWER - False
Correct: Some allergic reactions occur up to 2 days after the anesthetic is given.
Benzocaine topical anesthetic exists almost entirely in its base form, making absorption into
circulation high. - CORRECT ANSWER - False
Correct: Benzocaine topical anesthetic exists almost entirely in its base form, making absorption
into circulation low.
The published maximum dosage recommendation for the topical anesthetic benzocaine is 200
mg. - CORRECT ANSWER - False
, Correct: The published maximum dosage recommendations for benzocaine have not been
established and do not exist.
Lidocaine is metabolized in the liver and excreted via the kidneys with less than 10% remaining
unchanged. - CORRECT ANSWER - True
The most commonly found form of lidocaine is in base form because it is water soluble and can
easily penetrate and be absorbed into the tissues. - CORRECT ANSWER - False
Correct: The base form is poorly soluble in water and has poor penetration and absorption
abilities.
Tetracaine hydrochloride has a rather slow onset of action; however, it can last approximately 45
minutes. - CORRECT ANSWER - True
What is the name of a common ester topical anesthetic?
a. Lidocaine
b. Dyclonine hydrochloride
c. Prilocaine 2.5%
d. Benzocaine - CORRECT ANSWER -D
Benzocaine is the name of a common ester topical anesthetic. Lidocaine and prilocaine are
amides, and dyclonine hydrochloride is a ketone.
What is the name of a common ketone topical anesthetic?
a. Lidocaine
b. Dyclonine hydrochloride
c. Tetracaine hydrochloride
d. Benzocaine - CORRECT ANSWER -B
Dyclonine hydrochloride is the name of a common ketone topical anesthetic. Lidocaine is an
amide, and tetracaine hydrochloride and benzocaine are esters.
