Local anesthesia is a type of anesthesia that can be applied without loss of consciousness or general sensation, unlike general anesthesia. It is commonly used in many procedures such as tooth extraction and other dental applications, circumcision, mole removal, and other dermatological interventions.
What is Local Anesthesia?
Local anesthesia is the type of anesthesia where a limited region of the body is numbed. The patient remains conscious during the procedure and does not feel any pain in the area where the procedure is applied due to the numbing effect. Local anesthesia, often preferred for minor surgical operations in limited areas, is widely used in interventions applied to areas such as teeth, eyes, ears, nose, and throat.
How is Local Anesthesia Administered, and What are its Types?
There are two types of local anesthesia: infiltration and topical anesthesia. Infiltration is the type of anesthesia that penetrates the tissue. In this method, the anesthetic substance is injected under the skin or other superficial skin tissue with the help of a needle. Topical anesthesia can be defined as anesthesia absorbed from the surface. The anesthetic substance is applied to the prepared area for the procedure by dripping, spraying, or rubbing. Dentistry is one of the common fields where topical anesthesia is used.
How Long Does the Effect of Local Anesthesia Last?
After applying local anesthesia using either infiltration or topical anesthesia methods, a 15-minute wait before the intervention is required for the anesthetic substance to take effect. While the duration of anesthesia's effect post-intervention may vary depending on the type and amount, the professional performing the procedure applies the appropriate type and amount of anesthetic substance.
What are the Differences Between Local Anesthesia and Regional Anesthesia?
Local anesthesia and regional anesthesia have similarities but are different procedures. In local anesthesia, a limited area where the procedure will be applied is numbed, whereas in regional anesthesia, the numbing process is done over a larger area. For example, with local anesthesia, a very small area on the leg can be numbed for the procedure; in regional anesthesia, the entire leg or the whole lower body can be numbed for the intervention as required by the operation. Although general guidelines determine in which operations local or regional anesthesia should be applied, the professional conducting the procedure decides the suitable method for the operation and the patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the local anesthesia injection hurt?
A mild burning or stinging sensation may usually occur when local anesthesia is applied. This sensation is temporary and completely disappears once the anesthesia's effect begins, so the patient does not feel pain.
What is the purpose of local anesthesia cream, and how is it used?
Where and how is local anesthesia applied?
Local anesthesia is applied close to the area where the procedure will be performed, and the application method varies based on the procedure. For example, in dental treatments, it is injected around the tooth, while during mole removal, it is injected directly into the area. This anesthetic substance temporarily stops nerve conduction to prevent pain perception. Topical forms are applied to the skin's surface. The specialist doctor decides which method and area to choose, and detailed information is important.
What precautions should be taken after local anesthesia?
After local anesthesia, numbness usually fades within 1-2 hours. During this period, it is crucial to avoid hot drinks, hard foods, or impacts that might pose a risk of trauma to the anesthetized area. Extra care should be taken after dental procedures to avoid biting the numb area unintentionally. After anesthesia wears off, there may be a mild pain or soreness, which is usually normal. If excessive swelling, prolonged numbness, or signs of infection occur, contact a doctor immediately.