Personally, I don't think I would get a root canal. I would have it pulled, esp if it was a back tooth. I had two root canals, and with both of them the root split and I had to have the teeth extracted anyway. I went to an oral surgeon,thankfully, because the dentist I was going to at the time, had nerve damage in his arms (mercury?) and the oral surgeon must have been a good one because he left me with no cavitations. So, if you get it pulled, make sure you get a reputable guy (gal), perhaps recommended by a holistic dentist - or get it pulled by a holistic dentist who knows how. And if it is a front tooth? I don't know the options there. Anyone else? Oh, and by the way, the holistic dentist I go to does not do root canals because of the health concerns.