Lidocaine is a local anesthetic commonly used in dentistry to numb a specific area of the mouth before a procedure. It works by blocking the transmission of pain signals from the nerves to the brain. Lidocaine is typically injected into the soft tissue of the gums or directly into the nerve trunk. The injection site will depend on the location of the procedure and the type of anesthesia being used.
Lidocaine is an effective and safe anesthetic with a long history of use in dentistry. It is well-tolerated by most patients and has a low risk of side effects. However, it is important to note that lidocaine can cause numbness and tingling in the area where it is injected. This numbness can last for several hours, so it is important to avoid eating or drinking anything hot until the numbness has worn off.