Which anesthetic is typically applied before a needle injection to numb tissue?

The application of a topical anesthetic is standard practice before a needle injection to numb the tissue at the injection site, enhancing patient comfort. Topical anesthetics, which often come in gel or spray forms, temporarily block sensation in the area where they are applied. This is particularly important in dental procedures, as it helps to minimize pain and anxiety associated with needle injections, making the overall experience more tolerable for the patient.

In contrast, general anesthetics affect the entire body and lead to a state of unconsciousness, which is not applicable for localized procedures where only a small area needs to be numbed. Local anesthetics are administered via injection to numb a specific area but do not address the initial sensation before the injection. Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is used for sedation and pain relief during dental procedures but does not specifically numb tissue prior to an injection. Thus, the topical anesthetic is the correct choice for the purpose of numbing tissue before needle insertion.