Wisdom tooth problem: Extract or root canal if you are 42 years old?

Tooth #32 causing intermittent, spontaneous pain over last 2 months. Have had a root canal in past, and know the symptoms. I have all my wisdom teeth, but lost tooth #31 at age 30. Should I have root canal on #32, or have it extracted, in which case should I have #1 extracted also? Have heard more complications with age, longer root, longer recovery time, etc.. Wisdom teeth are in and straight, and #32 also has a filling. Not sure what to do, but need to decide Monday, as I'm seeing the dentist at that time. Dentist 'suggested' when I first saw him at 27, that pulling wisdom tooth would be a good idea. However, the suggestion was based on the general belief that wisdom teeth not needed, as opposed to any problems. Any advise would be appreciated!!

Wisdom tooth problem: Extract or root canal if you are 42 years old?
Generally wisdom teeth functionally have no use and cause more problems then good. Would you spend a grand and have a root canel and 10 years down the road the dentist will suggest you to have a crown on top. If you really don't need the tooth, it will not effect anything. Best to remove #32. It's better to have all your front teeth and molars then your wisdoms.
Reply:saving a wisdom tooth? read proverbs in the bible, it is cheaper than a root canal.
Reply:When given the choice, I go for extraction... The only one I kept was due to there being a lot of nerve endings surrounding the tooth and the oral surgeon suggested root canal in that case...