<prompt> Human: Long story short, rpersonalfinance, my dentist told me today my bottom right rear molar is on its way out and that Id need a root canal. Its going to die and nothing can be done to save it. The estimate was 950 to do the canal and crown it. I can afford that 950 at the cost of eating my monthly emergency budget plus next months emergency budget. The problem I am struggling with is whether its worth it in the long term. My gut tells me to just have it pulled which will cost a fraction of the 950; somewhere around 50-150. The tooth is in the back, the very back. No one can see it, which Id think would make it not a big deal. My brain screams Save the tooth! No real logic there, just Save the tooth! Right now the thing is causing me pain so I cant exactly make a clear decision. I just the tooth and the pain gone.Edit: Saw an endodontist today. After some poking and prodding he declared my tooth absolutely fine and my dentist absolutely stupid. 44 for that exam. So much cheaper than a root canal and crown. Always get a second opinion folks!  <response>: I say yes. You pay it. Thats what an emergency fund is for. Also - Im no dentist but Ive been told by dentists that you lose jaw bone if you just yank a tooth out and dont have that socket filled with something. Realize its a molar and no one can see that but you would know its missing. 