[Pam]

My dentist says the root of one of my molars is dying. He has recommemded a root canal. This tooth already has a crown, which they would try to save. I have had alot of dental work - not the strongest teeth and I clench and grind. I had the matching molar on the other side extracted 1 1/2 years ago - similar situation - crown, root canal and finally a cracked root.
I am deciding between having a root canal and having this tooth extracted. Some considerations/questions in the equation are:
~ is a tooth with a root canal a "dead" tooth ?
~ if so, what imact, does this have?
~ a root canal has a life expectancy of 10 years - I don't have particularly positive dental history
~ cost of having a rootcanal / possible new crown / losing the tooth in 10 years to having an extraction and probably an implant now
~ I've read about the possiblilty of bacteria remaining in a root canal and causing future body problems - ?? - fact? preventable? how?

Any information that would help in the decision making process would be appreciated. I read Mary Elizabeth and will follow the recommendations as I have just completed a course of antibiotics for an infection in the tooth in question. Thank you