Hello. Well, it looks like you & I are kind of in the same boat here. I need to have a root canal done also, in a tooth last year that had a big filling put in it, but now it has 'died'. The other alternative is to have it extracted, but then my dentist told me that could cause other problems as well, not exactly sure what, but from what I've been reading on websites, problems with teeth shifting, chewing, etc. I am almost tempted to have it extracted since it is so much cheaper to go that route than having a root canal. But then is it always better to go the cheaper route? Honestly, I have heard both sides of the stories. I personally know people who have not had any problems with their root canals, then some have. I also just recently talked to a couple people about tooth extracting, one said they have not had any problems with their teeth (I say teeth because this person had to have 2 or 3 taken out), & then somebody else said they were so glad they kept their teeth, & went the root canal way. I have no dental insurance, & because of the infection, something has to be done soon. If I go to my dentist (specialist), it will cost a little over TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS. And a lot of places I've called want the full amount up front, or half, or 3 payments. It's not like paying a credit card over a period of months or years. I have not lost any other teeth except wisdom teeth, (I had those cut out for braces, & then I think 2 on the bottom pulled for overcrowding & maybe 1 or two up top for overcrowding before braces some 13 - 15 years ago.) So I guess you could take into consideration to have it extracted. (I think that may be a couple hundred dollars or so). But it is hard to know which way to go when you hear so many different things. Also, I was wondering what a 'tubule' is, is that part of the root????? If so, my gosh, I had no idea either it was that long.

Well, sorry this is so long, but another thing I am looking into, kind of late I might add, is to see what kind of insurance plan I can get. Some of them do not care if there are pre-existing conditions from what I am reading on the websites that I have found for a few dental plans.

I might add, also, that the 2,000 dollars includes the root canal as well as the crown, which I have been told is like a catch 22 also, b/c some people can go awhile w/out a crown, while others teeth may break w/out a crown.

By the way, does anybody have any idea which of the crowns are the best or last the longest, isn't there porcelain, metal, & then something else?

Well, anyways, good luck. Any kind of feedback or suggestions would be appreciated.