Local anaesthetic is a type of medicine that numbs a small part of the body so that you do not feel pain during a procedure.
Unlike general anaesthetic, which makes you unconscious, local anaesthetic allows you to stay awake and alert. It is commonly used for minor operations, dental work, and certain diagnostic tests.
The medicine is usually given by injection, cream, or spray. Once it takes effect, you may still feel pressure or movement, but you should not feel pain. Because it only works on a specific area, recovery is usually quicker, and you can often go home the same day.
It is used whenever doctors need to perform a procedure without causing pain, but where full unconsciousness is not necessary. For example, dentists often use local anaesthetic for fillings and tooth extractions. It is also used for stitching wounds, removing small lumps, performing biopsies, and carrying out certain eye or skin operations.
Local anaesthetic is preferred when the procedure is quick, when the risks of general anaesthetic are too high, or when it is better for the patient to stay awake.
Local anaesthetic works by blocking the nerves in a small area from sending pain signals to the brain. When the medicine is injected or applied, it stops the sodium channels in the nerve endings from working. This means the nerves cannot pass pain messages, and the area becomes numb.
The effect usually starts within minutes and can last from half an hour to several hours, depending on the type and dose used. Doctors can also add other medicines, such as adrenaline, to make the numbing effect last longer.
Lidocaine (a local anaesthetic) blocks sodium channels in nerves, stopping pain signals from travelling to the brain and causing numbness in the treated area.
When given as an injection, you may feel a small sting at first. Within a few minutes, the area should feel heavy, warm, or tingly. Soon after, it becomes completely numb. You might still notice pressure or movement during the procedure, but it should not be painful.
If a cream or spray is used, it may feel cool when applied. The area gradually loses sensation, making minor procedures more comfortable.
For most people, local anaesthetic is very safe. Because it only affects a small area of the body, the risks are lower than with general anaesthetic. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived. The most common are bruising or soreness at the injection site, tingling once the numbness wears off, or temporary weakness in nearby muscles.
Serious side effects are rare. In very unusual cases, the medicine can enter the bloodstream and cause dizziness, blurred vision, or an irregular heartbeat. This is why local anaesthetic is always given by trained staff who know how to avoid and manage complications.
Local anaesthetic can be given by a wide range of healthcare professionals. Dentists use it daily for routine treatments. Doctors, nurses, and surgeons also use it in hospitals and clinics for minor operations. In more complex cases, an anaesthetist may be involved to choose the best medicine and dose.
The numbness usually lasts one to two hours for small doses, and longer for larger procedures. In dental work, the feeling in your lips and tongue may last for several hours afterwards. As the medicine wears off, you may feel tingling before full sensation returns. Doctors often advise patients to avoid eating or drinking hot food until the numbness has gone, to prevent accidental burns or bites.
Before having local anaesthetic, the doctor or nurse will explain what to expect. They may ask about allergies, medicines you are taking, and any past reactions to anaesthetic. You do not usually need to fast beforehand, and you can normally go home straight after the procedure.
Afterwards, the area may feel numb for some time. Once the effect wears off, there might be mild soreness, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief if needed. Most people return to normal activities quickly.
Almost everyone can have local anaesthetic safely. It is especially useful for people who may not be suitable for general anaesthetic, such as those with heart or lung problems. However, doctors will take extra care if a patient has certain health conditions, is pregnant, or has had allergic reactions to anaesthetic in the past.
There are a few ways local anaesthetic can be given. Topical anaesthetic comes as a cream, gel, or spray and is applied directly to the skin or mouth. Injectable anaesthetic is delivered with a needle into the tissue near the nerves. Nerve blocks are injections placed close to a specific nerve to numb a larger area, such as an arm or leg.
Regional anaesthesia, such as spinal or epidural injections, is sometimes grouped with local anaesthetic but works on a wider area. These are commonly used during childbirth or surgery on the lower body.
Local anaesthetic has several benefits. It avoids the risks linked to general anaesthetic, allows patients to recover more quickly, and usually means fewer side effects. People can often eat, drink, and move around soon after the procedure. It is also less disruptive for short or simple treatments.
Yes. In fact, this is one of the main features of local anaesthetic. You remain awake and aware, but the area being treated is numb, so you should not feel pain. For more complicated procedures, sedation can sometimes be added. This makes you drowsy and relaxed, while still avoiding full unconsciousness.
Yes. For very small procedures, doctors may use no anaesthetic at all or only apply a numbing cream. For bigger operations, regional anaesthesia or general anaesthesia might be more suitable. The choice depends on the type of procedure, the patient’s health, and personal preference.
Local anaesthetic is a medicine that numbs a small part of the body, allowing procedures to be done without pain while the patient stays awake. It is safe, effective, and widely used in dentistry, minor surgery, and many other medical settings. The effects wear off within a few hours, and side effects are usually mild.
Understanding what local anaesthetic is and how it works helps reduce anxiety before treatment. It is one of the simplest yet most important tools in medicine, making everyday procedures quicker and more comfortable for millions of people.
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