Thanks! So implants require removal of entire tooth -- that's what bothered me. I wasn't getting the need for a root canal at all. We'll ask that dentist what she's thinking. She did say implant post might be able to be inserted soon after root canal. ?!?! I should have been much more alert that day.

My mom's caps/crowns (don't know age) were mostly for aesthetic reasons as my mom did a lot of public speaking, much on camera, until a few yrs ago. Much of her social life is going to luncheons, but this is just 1 tooth. Thx for mentioning possible fate of other teeth; we have to consider that.

No chronic health conditions, no heart attacks, just a knee replacement 19+ yrs ago. No prescription meds, only OTC calcium, vit D3. Yet any surgery at my mother's age worries me. I watched my father, grandoarents and father-in-law all greatly decline btw ages 83 to 86, most after one or two minor surgeries. Will try to get xrays too.

Thx!!