Start practicing

Anesthesia · single question

After administering local anesthesia, how do you confirm adequate PULPAL anesthesia before beginning the procedure?

  1. Probe the gingival sulcus deeply
  2. Apply electric pulp tester (EPT)
  3. Cold test (ice or Endo-Ice to the tooth)
  4. Ask the patient if their lip feels numb
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Cold test (ice or Endo-Ice to the tooth)

Cold test (Endo-Ice, ice) confirms pulpal anesthesia — no response to cold = pulp is adequately anesthetized. Numb lip = soft tissue anesthesia only (IAN nerve block) but doesn't confirm pulpal anesthesia. EPT tests vitality, not anesthesia.
  • A. Gingival probing tests PDL/gingival sensation — pulp may still be sensitive even if sulcus is numb.
  • B. EPT tests pulp VITALITY for diagnosis — not for confirming anesthetic efficacy.
  • C. CORRECT. Cold test = confirms pulpal anesthesia. No response to cold = proceed safely.
  • D. Numb lip = soft tissue anesthesia only — doesn't confirm the pulp itself is anesthetized.

Practice Anesthesia questions Anesthesia study notes

More Anesthesia practice questions