Novocaine, also known as procaine, is a local anesthetic that has been used in dentistry for over a century. It is commonly used to numb the area around a tooth before extraction, making the procedure more comfortable for the patient.
Novocaine works by blocking nerve signals in the body, which prevents the brain from receiving pain signals from the affected area. This allows the dentist to extract the tooth without causing undue discomfort to the patient. Novocaine is a relatively safe and effective anesthetic, and it is typically well-tolerated by patients.