Extraction or Root Canal with Crown Lengthening
I went to have root canal done on tooth #2 and the endodontist said the decay was past the gumline and if she did the root canal I would need crown lengthening. She recommended possibly extracting the tooth and wanted me to speak with my dentist. The dentist after looking at the tooth recommended extracting #2 and #1 and said that it would not effect my smile or eating and that I probably wouldn't even need an implant. He said the prognosis of the tooth was not great because it was infected. The funny thing is that prior to me asking about insurance - he was in favor of saving the tooth. He went to talk to the office manager and then was in favor of extraction. I have a HMO with very low co-pays.
I would like to try and save the tooth if possible and am thinking of just having the root canal done and then switching to another dentist and seeing what they say. The co-pay for my root canal is $80 - so worst case scenario if the tooth still needs to be pulled I will be out $80 plus the pain of the root canal.
What do you think I should do?