Loss of sensation induced in a patient to prevent pain during dental treatment. For minor procedures, a local anaesthetic (see anaesthesia, local) is injected either into the gum at the site being treated or into the nerve a short distance away (called a peripheral nerve block). In addition, topical anaesthetics are often used on the gums. For more complicated procedures, such as periodontal (gum) surgery and multiple tooth extractions, general anaesthesia is carried out (see anaesthesia, general).
Anaesthesia, dental |
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