What does the term "local infiltration" refer to in dental anesthesia?

The term "local infiltration" in dental anesthesia refers specifically to the injection of anesthetic directly into the tissue at the site of the procedure. This technique allows for a targeted effect, numbing the specific area where dental work will take place. The anesthetic diffuses into the surrounding tissues, providing effective pain relief for procedures such as fillings or extractions. This method is particularly useful for minor dental procedures since it addresses the localized area without affecting the entire region or body.

Local infiltration is distinguished from other forms of anesthesia, such as topical application, which works on the surface of the skin or mucous membranes, or systemic approaches where anesthetics might enter the bloodstream, influencing much larger areas of the body. The use of gases is also unrelated to local infiltration, as it pertains to general anesthesia methods rather than localized numbing techniques.