What is a substance that provides a temporary numbing effect at the injection site?

A topical anesthetic is a substance that provides a temporary numbing effect at the injection site by desensitizing the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. It is commonly used in dental procedures to minimize discomfort associated with injections by numbing the area before the actual local anesthetic is administered. This application ensures that patients experience less pain or anxiety during the injection process.

In contrast, a local anesthetic works deeper within the tissues to block nerve signals in a larger area, providing a more comprehensive numbness that lasts longer but is applied through injection rather than a surface-level application. While a sedative may provide relaxation during a procedure, it does not specifically numb an area. Numbing gel is often colloquially used to refer to topical anesthetics but is not a standard term in the clinical setting.