[BroadHopper]

Every dentist has a different opinion. My dentist, who is in Chelmsford and teaches at the Tufts dental school, normally do not fill baby teeth. As for adult teeth it depends on how close he may be drilling to the nerves. If he is drilling and not touch the nerve endings he goes without Novocain and if you are brave without the gas. Normally the gas steady your nerves.
If he will be drilling near or to the nerves, he strongly suggest Novocain, and the gas is optional.
I had two rear molars pulled as they were pushing the teeth in. He would rotate the chair so that the blood flows to my head, thus 'dulling' the nerves. With no Novocain and gas, he pulled the two teeth out. I felt a sharp pain, then heat. That was it!

If your brave go without the gas and depends on the drilling without Novocain.

I recently switched to a local dentist and she insist, no matter what, you have gas and Novocain. I notice on the bill to Delta Dental, the charges are outrageous! Glad I had insurance.

I need two crowns, which I will have a specialist in Concord do. I don't have faith in the local dentists.