When receiving dental work, the dentist must inject anesthetic to numb the treatment area. However, there is a risk that the needle may hit a nerve, causing discomfort or even pain. This is known as a "dental nerve block."
The risk of hitting a nerve is relatively low, but it is more likely to occur in certain areas of the mouth, such as the lower jaw. If the needle does hit a nerve, the patient may experience a sharp, shooting pain that can radiate to other parts of the face or head. In some cases, the nerve damage may be permanent.