My 8 year old daughter is very nervous of the dentist and needs to have 2 baby teeth extracted. Initially we were referred for just 1 filling, but there was a long wait before we were seen that the dentist says that the tooth cannot now be saved, and one of the other teeth shows signs on the x-rays of deep decay. Some of her molar teeth also sadly have some signs of decay.
Intially the dentist said she could put a silver caps on these to save these baby teeth. As my daughter being really nervous (even just having x-rays), the dentist now is suggesting we don’t try capping the teeth at all, but refer to hospital to have 6 (yes six) of her baby teeth extracted. Two are to “balance” the mouth, and 2 rather than to cap them.
I’m really reluctant to do this, but feel I am being pushed into agreeing to it. I’d prefer to at least try putting the caps on, and extact the 2 unsaveable teeth. The dentist said she would use a sedation gas, (which would require a mask to be put onto my daughter’s mouth, which I think at 8 she will find really frightening) and then she could inject her gums to numb then.
My question is, would it not be possible to use a numbing gel on my daughter instead, to extract the 2 teeth?

Hi
I have recently had root canal treatment on a front tooth for which I had a local anesthetic ,my dentist told me I will not need to be numbed for the follow up appointment , I feel I would rather be as it may be painful without ,should I mention this before I go ? Thank you.

I am petrified of needles & dentists. I plucked up courage about 7 weeks ago to see a dentist, I need 3 teeth out and several fillings, but he refused to use the numbing gel, so I never went back.
I have now noticed that the middle of my two top teeth are starting to look not too good, so I’d like to get them looked at and treated, but how do I get over my fear? I can’t seem to find a dentist near me who treats or has compassion where nervous patients are. I am near Lowestoft, Suffolk.I look forward to hearing your response and thanks ever so much for looking at my particular problem. Kind regards

I’m 58 yrs old and have been to dentist about 5 x since age of 16, following horrific experiences in childhood. ( my dad is 85, hasn’t been to one since 1954 and has all his own teeth!!!)
A couple of fillings fell out last year and some bits of tooth have since broken off so I know I’m going to have to go to one. We moved to Malvern Worcs. 10 yrs ago . Went on your website which recommended a dentist in Evesham but it’s private practice and I need an NHS dentist as I’m only working part-time and my job is under threat so I can’t afford the high fees. Do you know of any NHS dentists near me who might be sympathetic?? Please help.