What is numbed?
A limited area: one tooth or a wider nerve supply area, depending on the technique.
← All explanationsLocal anaesthesia
What does local anaesthesia do?
Local anaesthesia temporarily inhibits nerve signal transmission in a limited area. It is used to prevent pain during treatment while the person remains conscious.
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Pain signals are temporarily inhibited
A local anaesthetic acts on nerves in the treatment area. Its effect wears off after a period of time.
Numb the area, stay awake
Local anaesthesia is not general anaesthesia. Depending on the technique, a small area or several teeth and nearby tissues are numbed.
Check the effect and give feedback
The effect is considered before and during treatment. Any pain should be reported immediately so the approach can be adjusted.
At a glance
What is it for?
Temporary local pain prevention during suitable treatments.
Will I stay awake?
Yes. Local anaesthesia alone does not remove consciousness.
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Often confused
Local anaesthesia or sedation?
Local anaesthesia affects sensation in an area. Sedation aims to reduce anxiety or alertness and is a different procedure.
Quick answers
Will I fall asleep?
No. Local anaesthesia alone does not remove consciousness.
Why can my lip also feel numb?
Depending on the nerve involved, nearby soft tissues may be numbed as well as teeth.
What should be discussed beforehand?
Relevant health conditions, medicines and any previous unusual reactions to anaesthetics.
At the practice
For your consultation
A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
What matters about my past experiences, medicines or health conditions before anaesthesia?
Personal concerns and medical history belong in the consultation.
Questions or previous experiences with anaesthesia can be discussed in advance.
Discuss your treatmentChoose an appointment on DoctolibLearning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge
Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.
- Local anaesthetic
- A medicine used for temporary local numbing.
- Infiltration anaesthesia
- Numbing tissue near the area to be treated.
- Nerve block
- Anaesthesia near a nerve that affects the area it supplies.
Know the difference
Local anaesthesia affects sensation; it is neither general anaesthesia nor automatically a treatment for anxiety.
Sources and context
Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.