I've been having sensitivity and pain in my upper first molar. This tooth has a large filling in it which was done when I was a child. My dentist has told me that it is cracked, which can be seen on the photos and he thinks it might extend further up into the root. He says there is no way to tell except by trying a root canal and getting a better look at it with magnification. If it isn't cracked further up, it needs a root canal filling and crown. If it is, it needs to be extracted. I just can't decide what to do and would appreciate any advice.

I've already had my other upper first molar removed two years ago. It had a root canal previously that lasted for 20 years but then failed. I got an abscess, had a repeat root canal which also failed, was offered an apiecectomy but decided to extract instead as I was just worn out from pain.

I'm worried this tooth will also cause similar problems. The root canal and crown would cost around £1000 and my dentist can't say if it will work. I keep thinking just to extract it now. But I know everyone says how bad that is and that you should always save any tooth at any cost. I also know root canals are controversial but I'll feel like such a failure if I get it extracted and I can't afford an implant. I'm also worried my face shape will change and I'll look old.