Which anesthetic method is primarily used for a single tooth treatment?

The infiltration technique is primarily used for single tooth treatment because it involves the delivery of local anesthetic directly into the area surrounding the tooth that requires treatment. This method provides sufficient anesthesia to numb the targeted tooth and the tissues immediately adjacent to it, making it ideal for procedures such as restorations, extractions, or other minor dental work.

Infiltration is particularly effective in the maxillary arch where the bone is less dense, allowing the anesthetic to diffuse through the bone and anesthetize the nerve endings that supply the tooth. The technique is straightforward and can often be performed quickly in an outpatient setting.

Other methods, such as nerve blocks, are typically reserved for more extensive treatments or procedures involving multiple teeth, as they anesthetize a larger area by targeting larger nerves. Field blocks may be used for a broader area but are not as efficient for single-tooth anesthesia as infiltration due to their less localized effect. General anesthesia is generally not used for simple dental procedures and carries additional risks and considerations not present in localized techniques.