Dentist - which tooth treatment?

[Thanksforhelp]

Recently been to the dentist with painful tooth (had a filling a few months ago but was warned it may not do the trick as there could be further micro cracks). Dentist reckons the tooth (a molar) is dead and told me I have following options:

• wait and see, may settle down a bit (very optimistic)

• extraction - as the roots aren't straight he would refer me to an oral surgeon

• extraction and an implant (expensive)

• a bridge - although caution as the teeth either side are healthy and may not be best thing to file them down at this stage

• a root canal with a crown - again may refer me to a specialist as roots aren't straight. Advised may hold for 5 to 10 years but no guarantees

I've been very fortunate so far with my teeth so this is all very confusing - really don't know what I should do. Anyone able to advise from personal experience best approach to take - what order to give things a go or worth giving a go?

Thank you

Based on my own experiences I would go root canal by an endodontist (specialist) and if that works okay then a crown if deemed necessary.
It could easily last 20 years. You shouldn't have the tooth extracted unless it is unsavable, as although implants are very good, real teeth roots are better.

I agree with PP. However, depending on cost involved and what the specialist says about the crown and root filling lasting, I might go for an implant. I have both and both have lasted for years on end without issues.

Also agree - root canal and crown. I had one that lasted about 15 years, Crown has come off the molar but it's at the back and still sound 5 years in.