Topical ice: a precursor to palatal injections.

Palatal injections seem to be a painful experience for many patients despite modern injection techniques. Topical cooling has long been used for numbing pain on the body surface. A technique is described which utilizes topical ice on the palate before and during a local infiltration to relieve discomfort. The mechanism of cold transfer through the mucosa and its effect on nerves is discussed. The ice application is readily acceptable by apprehensive teenagers and adults. This technique is comfortable, safe, and physiologically effective.