[azmanatheart]

Hi,
I had a 12 year upper molar that had a root canal and a gold crown about 10 years old. The other day while eating a soft muffin, it just came off with no apparent reason. Looking at the bottom of the crown, I could see it was almost entirely black,(I assume all decay) with a very small thread like amount of healthy tooth that had been holding it on. I am left with a space and gum that has some decaying pieces sticking up, and I'm sure no way to put a crown back on. I have no wisdom tooth behind it, so there is little left to chew with on that side.
My questions is, I assume this needs to be surgically removed by an oral surgeon, or can it be left like that? My sense is that it is rotten, and I can taste the decay(probably smells in my breath, too), do these decaying roots pose a health risk? Should I be running to the oral surgeon, or do I have time?

Thanks!
Azmanatheart