Root canal & crown vs. extraction?

[Guest guest]

My dentist gave me some food for thought for next week's follow up

appointment. Since we are currently without dental insurance, cost

unfortunately has to play a role in my decision.

Should I opt for a root canal and a crown? Or should I opt for

extracting the tooth and putting in an appliance (bridge?) I've

always been told it is best to keep your natural teeth as long as you

can, if possible. However, I know from experience as my friends and I

have gotten more " mature " ...it doesn't always happen that teeth can

be saved. The one tooth that needs extensive attention is a molar,

tooth #3. It's a big tooth with a big filling that is old. Dentist is

70% certain I'll need the root canal before she can crown it. She'll

know next week after doing an " e & e " ...excavation kinda thing.

My husband is of no help in this decision, being extremely tight with

a $ and having no sense of pride in his teeth...it pains me to admit

this to anyone...he got dentures last year (uppers) and rarely wears

them. Too much effort for him, I guess. It's a sore spot in our

already strained relationship. To me, an attractive smile is a major

plus. I don't think I'm being vain in wanting that. He does.

So, what to do? Cost-wise would I be better off getting an extraction

and opting for a good appliance in the end? Dentist tells me an

advantage to crown is that it goes a bit under the gums and gives

some support to surrounding teeth.

Help! And thanks so much to everyone who's giving feedback on this. I

really hoped this would be the year of my tummy tuck. Not the year of

the new teeth!

Regards,

LAP RNY 7/3/02