The application or injection of medication to eliminate pain during dental treatment or surgery. Topical anesthesia is used by dentists to numb tissues in an area of the mouth in preparation for injecting a local anesthetic. A local anesthetic is injected to stop pain in a specific area of the mouth for a short period, usually about an hour. This form of dental anesthesia is most commonly used prior to potentially painful treatments, including repairing cavities, preparing the teeth for dental crowns, and minor surgical procedures.