local anesthetic

1. An anesthetic that causes loss of sensation only to the area to which it is applied. ( Compare general anesthetic .)

Example Sentences

According to the guidelines, the topical anesthetic lidocaine “might be useful for reducing patient pain” when injected as a local anesthetic or applied topically as a numbing gel, cream or spray.

From Salon

Usually the procedure can be carried out under local anesthetic, meaning the person is awake, and takes only about 15 minutes.

From Salon

A survey published this year found that only 4% of trained physicians in the United States offered an injection of a local anesthetic, which has been found to be effective for pain relief.

From Seattle Times

Typically for root canal, patients receive a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth or teeth involved in the procedure.

From Washington Times

Because this high-potency topical system can be quite painful, doctors often use a local anesthetic on the skin before applying it.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• opiate