Final answer:
Local anesthetics should be injected into or near the nerve tissue to create a localized numb area, leading to a reversible loss of sensation without loss of consciousness.
Step-by-step explanation:
To create anesthesia, local anesthetic needs to be injected into or near the nerve tissues that are intended to be numbed. Local anesthetics work by blocking nerve conduction, which means interrupting the transmission of sensory impulses to the brain. As a result, this leads to a reversible loss of sensation in a specific area of the body without affecting the patient's consciousness.
The targeted injection can be near a nerve trunk, which will lead to both sensory and motor paralysis in the area covered by the nerve. It's important to note that this effect is temporary, and normal nerve function returns without structural damage, once the anesthetic wears off. Injectable anesthetics like Novocain (Procaine) are common in dental work and minor surgery due to their effectiveness in creating localized numbness.