Final answer:
Topical anesthetic agents are used to provide local anesthesia and reduce pain during medical procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two primary reasons for using topical anesthetic agents are:
- To provide local anesthesia by blocking sensory nerves in a specific area of the body
- To reduce pain and discomfort during minor surgical procedures or medical interventions
Topical anesthetics are applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes and work by numbing the area where they are applied. They are commonly used for procedures such as suturing wounds, inserting IV catheters, or performing dental work.