What is NOT a function of the spoon excavator?

The spoon excavator is a dental instrument primarily used for dental procedures involving the removal of decayed tissue and debris from the tooth. Its design, featuring a scooped blade, allows for effective access and manipulation within cavities.

The correct choice identifies a function that is not associated with the spoon excavator. Injecting anesthetic typically requires a syringe and needle, instruments specifically designed for that purpose, not a spoon excavator. The spoon excavator does not have the capacity or intended use to administer anesthetic as it is not designed for that function.

On the other hand, the other options relate directly to the practical uses of the spoon excavator. It is effective in removing carious dentin, as this is one of the critical roles it plays in caries management. Additionally, clearing temporary cement and removing temporary crowns are also within the scope of tasks that the spoon excavator can perform, given its functional design.