Final answer:
Infiltration anesthesia is used for numbing maxillary teeth during dental procedures by injecting the anesthetic directly into the tissue. It provides a localized effect, ideal for minor dental work. Novocain is a commonly used local anesthetic for such procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Infiltration anesthesia is achieved by injecting the anesthetic solution directly into the tissue of the dental procedure and is generally used in the maxillary teeth. The process involves numbing a small area where the procedure will take place without affecting the nerve's entire branch. This kind of local anesthesia is preferable for minor dental work since it allows for a targeted approach, causing minimal discomfort and enabling the dentist to perform the procedure effectively. Procaine, also known as Novocain, is a commonly used local anesthetic in these cases.
For more extensive dental procedures, particularly in the lower teeth, an injection is administered into the lateral wall of the oral cavity before the sensory nerve enters the mandibular foramen. Unlike the upper teeth, where the bone is less dense and solutions can easily infiltrate the area around the tooth, the lower teeth require a more strategic approach to effectively block nerve conduction and ensure the patient remains pain-free during the procedure.