Root Canal or Extraction?

I am having some severe pain associated with a sinus infection in the maxillary section right hand side. I now have a discernable pain associated with my two rear molars (wisdom tooth previously extracted) and I am sensitive to hot and cold, including some pain while eating (pressure). I know that the dentist will recommend a root canal, but I have heard that they are far too troublesome for the cost, and that the root canal is subject to infection, and further problems resulting in extraction of the treated tooth. How important are these rear two molars, and how difficult would it be to get along without them? I mean, Im not paying 3200 for rtcanal and crown, when I can have them extracted for 100 bucks. Any thoughts?

Root Canal or Extraction?
Before anything get a single xray to see if there is a crack in the root. If I remember correctly pressure on the tooth when biting isn't a symptom of the root dying. You can't always see a crack on a xray but it's alot cheaper that jumping into anything.
Reply:Extracting teeth is always the last option. If you have teeth opposing the ones giving you trouble and you have extractions, the teeth may extrude up or down, depending on the arch and /or change your bite. Roots canals are usually uneventful, and most people are fine after wards. I would never have my teeth extracted when root canal, post, core and crown could save them. The only obstacle of course, is the cost involved
Reply:save your tooth. i don't think you have to pay $3200 for root canal and crown. Shop around and find the good price.
Reply:Solve the problem with the sinus infection first. Sinus infections are often associated with tooth pain that has nothing to do with the teeth at all. You are sensitive to temperature changes and pressure when eating because all those nerves are compacted in a very small space, very close to one another. So it won't be any use trying to do dental work or determine if anything is actually wrong with the teeth until the infection is gone. A dentist won't want to do do any sort of procedure anyway while an infection is present. After you get rid of the sinus infection, then you can determine what, if anything is wrong with the teeth. As far as the value of a root canal/crown versus extraction, a root canal done before there is a major problem with a tooth isn't that bad. They are also easier done with molars, since the root canals are large, and once done, they are not subject to infection. That is providing of course, you don't have an absessed tooth, or the sinus infection when it's done. The root canal/crown saves the tooth. All of your teeth are valuable to you. Although you can do an adequate chewing job with only one set of molars, not having them changes your chewing pattern and stresses the teeth remaining in your mouth. You lose bone mass in the area, and the gums will shrink back in the area as well- possibly involving the next tooth in line. It starts you on the slippery slope towards things like bridges and dentures. Those cost infintely more than either the root canal/crown, or the extraction. It's up to you to determine how you think best to invest your money, but I would say it's better to invest in your teeth than anything else. Teeth you always can have, take them to the grave with you when the time comes. You won't be taking much of anything else.
Reply:I have had several root canal done in the past. I ended up loosing every one of them later on. So, you may as well save some money and have them pulled. Mine were in the back also. I still have one tooth all the way in the back on both sides. I lost two teeth on one side, upper. And, one tooth on the other side, upper. I don't have any problems chewing. I don't wear a partial either.
Reply:You should save your teeth if possible. Root canals don't always fail and the dentist will tell you if the prognosis of the tooth is good or poor. Most times the cause for failed root canals is poor after care. After having a root canal/crown you need to have good oral hygiene especially around the crown meaning brushing at least twice a day and flossing every night. Trust me when I say you will want to save your teeth.


EDIT: Btw, I have had 3 cracked teeth which have resulted in necessary root canals/crowns and all 3 are a success. AND they are not that troublesome.