Local anesthesia typically is used for procedures such as fillings, root canals, crowns, extractions and treatment of gum disease. General anesthesia may be used for people who cannot calm down enough to be treated safely (e.g., children), or who have medical, physical or emotional disabilities that prevent them from following directions so they can be treated safely. It also may be used for patients undergoing unusually long or difficult procedures, such as surgical tooth extractions.

Dentists may use topical anesthetics to numb an area before inserting a needle into the area for a local anesthetic. Topicals also may be used for the following reasons:

• Prevent the gag reflex due to insertion of impression trays or x-ray film
  
  
• Reduce discomfort during scaling and root planing
  
  
• Reduce discomfort during suture removal or during placement of a sedative dressing for a dry socket