Which type of anesthesia is typically used for targeted pain relief in dental procedures?

Local anesthesia is specifically designed to provide targeted pain relief in specific areas of the body where dental procedures are performed. This type of anesthesia works by temporarily blocking the nerves in the area where it's applied, allowing the patient to undergo treatments like fillings, tooth extractions, or root canals without feeling pain.

In contrast, general anesthesia involves rendering the patient completely unconscious and is not selective for pain relief in specific areas, making it unsuitable for targeted procedures where local effects are desired. Deep sedation and conscious sedation are also forms of anesthesia that can affect awareness and responsiveness, but they do not provide the localized pain control that local anesthesia does. Local anesthesia allows for patients to remain fully awake and cooperative while ensuring they do not experience discomfort during their dental care.