Local anesthesia temporarily numbs only the area being treated; the patient stays awake and feels no pain during the procedure. It is the standard for most dental treatments, from fillings to extractions.
The effect usually wears off within 2–4 hours. For needle-anxious patients, topical numbing gels and, when needed, sedation make the process comfortable.
This content is for information only; always consult your dentist for diagnosis and treatment.