Dentist how-to

How to Give a Local Anesthetic Injection

Comfortable injections build trust.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Comfortable injections build trust. In short: review; apply; stretch, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Review medical history.

  2. Apply topical anesthetic.

  3. Stretch the tissue.

  4. Aspirate before injecting.

  5. Inject slowly.

  6. Wait and test before starting.

Safety reminders for dentists

  • Use infection control and PPE
  • Follow radiation safety
  • Handle sharps carefully
  • Review medical history before treatment

DDS/DMD · Caries · Restoration · Crown · Bridge · Implant: see the full dentist glossary.

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