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?

A peridontist would likely do the crown lengthening surgery. I'd go with another opinion, since the answers are varied.

I did a have a root canal fail and had an implan placed. I also had the crown lengtening surgery. Crown lengthening is really jaw bone lowering surgery. Both are nasty.

Decay at the gumline is going to progress fairly quickly, so you need to make a decision fast. Had that happen too.

Definitely go for another opinion. Treatment offered should not be dependent on the type of dental coverage you have! I'm guessing that what isn't paid by insurance you'll have to pay out of pocket?

Having the 2 teeth out and not replacing one of them with an implant would depend if you have the 2 teeth opposing.

Here in Canada we have a different tooth numbering system. In the US tooth #2 is the second from the back on the top right, correct?

If you have the tooth below #2 you should try to save the tooth or, if extracted, replace it with an implant. If you don't, then the tooth on the bottom will continue to erupt(overerupt) until it too causes you grief. Removing teeth at the back of your mouth and not replacing them can also make your appearance age prematurely.

I think another opinion would help you make an educated decision.