<human>: I had a crown replaced after 27 years--he removed the pins and put on a new crown.  It was not hurting me--but said the old one was showing decay--after the crown I had severe pain and he sent me to an emergency root canal at $1200 --the crown and build up was almost the same price.   Now I have to go back and finish the root canal--remove the packing and put on temporary crown before a final is placed--my problem is I am afraid the dentist will now say there is not enough tooth left for a crown and will want to do an implant.  I have already spent too much money on this tooth.  I wish I would have just pulled it --it is #19 back molar and they did not recommend it because it will cause other teeth to shift,etc.  But it has turned into one major expense--I hardly have not tooth left after all this--it is just a hole now---can they still do a crown since the dentist said he would re-do it for free?   I cant afford now an implant and not sure I want to go thru that after I just paid for root canal and I may not had too if they do an implant---shouldnt they have seen that first?  I am just frustrated and more out of pocket than what I wanted to spend.  I know they may say an implant since I just have a hole left--but I need another expert advise--since he said he would put the crown- a new crown back on for free--can he crown it with no tooth left--I think more fell off since during root canal taking off old crown and waiting on root canal.   What is your best advise?   I really do not want to go thru anymore and not do an implant...can they crown it with no tooth left?   I would greatly appreciate your advise in case they come back to implant instead.   Thank you.
<bot>: Hello:)Welcome to Chat Doctor. Your dentist sent you for an emergency root canal. Do not worry, he will not suggest a root canal if he felt the tooth remaining is so less. Clinical examination of remaining tooth structure is necessary to assess if a crown can be made. A post and core with gingivectomy (to increase height of remaining crown) can be done to take additional support from the remaining tooth. This is done if remaining tooth is less and needs support. If a post and core is also not possible, you can get the tooth extracted. After healing of the socket, you have 3 options.1.implant-which is costly, and you are not willing for it.2.bridge-taking support from neighbor teeth and replacing missing tooth this costs less than an implant.3. Removable partial denture-a removable acrylic plate comes with the tooth. You must remove and clean it daily. Compromised comfort factor, but cheapest. Regards.