In dental practice, what is a common use for the long needle?

The long needle is commonly used to administer anesthetic via block injection, especially in dental practices. This technique involves injecting anesthetic into a specific area to numbing a larger region for procedures that require a greater depth of anesthesia, such as extractions or root canals. Block injections are typically performed in areas where a long needle can effectively reach the nerve pathways, providing sufficient pain relief during dental treatments.

This method is crucial in dentistry for procedures that require thorough numbness to ensure patient comfort and safety. While there are other uses for needles in dental practice, such as injecting anesthetic in specific areas or performing other procedures, the long needle's primary and most effective function is in these block injections due to its length and ability to deliver anesthetics deep within the tissues.