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Procedures and care

Local anesthesia

Also known as: local anaesthesia, local anesthetic

Temporary numbing of a small area with an anesthetic medicine while the person remains awake.

Source-checked educational compilation · Not independently clinically reviewed

What this means in a clinic conversation

Local anesthesia differs from sedation or general anesthesia. A plan may include more than one approach, so clarify the medicines, monitoring and instructions that apply to the visit.

A question to bring

Which numbing or sedating medicines will be used, and what instructions apply afterward?

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Related and commonly confused terms

Sources and editorial context

This definition was compiled from the sources below and has not received independent clinical review. It supports understanding and consultation preparation.

  1. NCI Dictionary: local anesthesia · National Cancer InstituteReference checked 2026-10-02
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