Q. Hi, I have just found out that my top right rear molar, is dying as a result of a deep filling, which is now beging to rest on the nerve of the tooth. The dentist has shown me the x-ray and said that as the root is so bent and not easily identifiable, he does not believe a root canal would be sucsessful. I have also had a bad expererience of root canal’s, where within months I had absess, and lost the tooth anyway. My dentist has said that my only option really is therefore too losse the tooth. My concern with this is that due to braces and overcrowding I had already had all my wisdom teeth removed and to loose this back tooth, I run the risk of my jaw bone disolving, there is already evidence of this on the x-ray following the wisdom extraction 3 years ago. I asked if there was any other options and he told me I would need splints and a crown which would cost about £2000. I am only 31 and worry that if I don’t make the right choice now it will be too late, I can’t afford £2000 for a tooth, but as it stands a booked for an extraction the week before xmas??!! Reading some of your other responses to questions indicate the crown can be placed over the tooth, can this not always be done? Any advise would be great. Thanks