L.D.
It's his baby tooth though, right? I guess I am wondering why the concern to put a replacement tooth in. My middle son lost his first tooth at around 3 I think it was because he banged his chin on his brother's head and knocked two teeth loose in the process. It took a long time for the grown up tooth to come in because it wasn't ready but we didn't do anything in the meantime nor did the dentist recommend anything. He just had a missing tooth for a year or whatever it was.
As for the trauma, oh boy do I feel bad for you AND him. I know what a nightmare it was to get my two older sons to the dentist in the beginning and you are right, it is traumatic to us as well!!
I wish you the best but I wouldn't do anything that doesn't have to be done.