Thank you so much, Bryanna and Ginnie, for talking me through this.

I do agree it needs to go. I'm not doubting that. I guess more than anything, I am beating myself up about getting the root canal in the first place. I never saw an ENT, never questioned that there were other options. I guess if I felt like this was unavoidable, root canal or not, it would be easier to accept. I just feel stupid and that I possibly destroyed a good tooth.

I have a consultation in 2 weeks with an oral surgeon (oral maxillo-facial surgeon and MD) to talk about extraction. Just in case there is a sinus perforation, I want to be in good hands. Then I'll think about restoration after it heals. I'm a good healer--wisdom tooth removal was no big deal years ago.

Just so you know, it doesn't hurt now, just some occasional pressure when the weather changes--like a bum knee! But I realize that there is smoldering infection in there and I want to protect my total health (especially my brain) from a worsening infection.

Thanks again....I'm still sad but I know it needs to be done.