I don't know how old you are, but old medical theory stated that babies, and by extension small children, did not feel pain due to their nervous system being im

I don't know how old you are, but old medical theory stated that babies, and by extension small children, did not feel pain due to their nervous system being immature. By "old theory", I mean no more than 30-40 years... Needless to say, the attitude towards that has completely changed since then, and dental care for children is now commonly done under general anesthesia when necessary. As for children being potentially struck for life by that, you are absolutely correct. It is also valid in adults, as I have been unfortunate enough to witness first hand during my younger years.