How does novacaine work?!

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

In the simplest explanation it creates blockages of sensory neurons (nerves) preventing pain signals from reaching the brain, so you get the sensation of being numb.

Dentist 15+ years experience.

I have no clue, all I know is that it hurts when they stick you with the needle and IF they give you enough you won't feel anything for a few hours. It's an amazing thing when getting dental work. But remember, they don't always give you enough, if it starts to wear off TELL THEM. Start waving your arms and making noise (how ever you can) getting teeth filled with no Novocaine is not fun and something that I have had to go through only one time, and hope to never have to do that again.

It temporarily deadens the nerve endings blocking pain signals to the brain.