Local anesthesia uses medicine (anesthetics) to block pain from a part of the body. The medicine affects only the area near where the medicine was injected or applied.
How it's done
Anesthesia medicines are usually given by injection into the area that needs to be numbed. They may also be applied onto the skin or mucus membranes as a liquid or gel or given as eyedrops. This is called topical anesthesia.
Risks
Serious problems (including allergic reactions) are very rare. But if the medicine is given in higher doses or if it enters the bloodstream, there can be some side effects. Examples include ringing in the ears, dizziness, and a metal taste in the mouth.
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.