Will I stay awake?
Yes. Local anaesthesia does not remove consciousness.
← All explanationsInfiltration anaesthesia
How can a single tooth be numbed locally?
In infiltration anaesthesia, local anaesthetic is placed in the tissue near the tooth being treated. From there it reaches small nerve branches and temporarily inhibits signal transmission. It is often used in the upper jaw; the suitable technique depends on the tooth, tissues and planned procedure.
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Near the tooth
Local anaesthetic is placed in the surrounding tissue, not in the tooth crown. The location depends on the planned procedure.
Reaching small nerve branches
The medicine spreads through tissue and reaches small nerve branches. It can temporarily inhibit pain signal transmission; this does not permanently remove sensation from the tooth.
Check the effect before treatment
The effect is checked before treatment begins. Tell the clinician if you still feel pain. Avoid biting your lip or cheek while it remains numb.
Read the full explanation
Near the tooth
Local anaesthetic is placed in the surrounding tissue, not in the tooth crown. The location depends on the planned procedure.
Reaching small nerve branches
The medicine spreads through tissue and reaches small nerve branches. It can temporarily inhibit pain signal transmission; this does not permanently remove sensation from the tooth.
Check the effect before treatment
The effect is checked before treatment begins. Tell the clinician if you still feel pain. Avoid biting your lip or cheek while it remains numb.
Notes on the teaching images
- Fictional teaching illustration, not a patient case or treatment result.
At a glance
Only in the upper jaw?
It is common there; selection depends on the situation.
What if I feel pain?
Tell the clinician so the effect can be checked.
Knowledge in motion
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Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
Local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia?
Local anaesthesia leaves you awake and acts in a limited area. General anaesthesia is a different procedure and should not be confused with infiltration anaesthesia.
Quick answers
Why is it common in the upper jaw?
The bone structure there often allows local anaesthetic to reach the small nerve branches effectively. Infiltration may also be useful elsewhere depending on the situation; it is not restricted to the upper jaw.
How is it different from a nerve block?
Infiltration acts near an individual tooth at smaller nerve branches. A nerve block places medicine near a larger nerve, so it may affect a wider area supplied by that nerve.
How long does the numbness last?
This depends on the medicine, amount, tissues and clinical situation. A lip or cheek can remain numb longer than the tooth. Your experience and the clinician’s check of the effect therefore matter.
What should I mention or watch for?
Mention known allergies, previous reactions and your medicines. While your lip or cheek remains numb, you may bite it without noticing. Follow the treating practice’s instructions and report unusual or persistent symptoms.
At the practice
For the appointment
You can bring this question to your appointment:
Which anaesthetic technique is planned for this tooth, and how will we check that it is working adequately?
You can discuss any questions or worries about local anaesthesia before treatment.
Arrange an assessmentAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Diffusion
- The spread of a substance from an area of higher concentration into surrounding tissue.
- Nerve branch
- A smaller division of a nerve supplying a particular area.
Make the distinction
Local anaesthesia leaves you awake and acts in a limited area. General anaesthesia is a different procedure and should not be confused with infiltration anaesthesia.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.