[Chocaholic]

First....thanks to all for comments. Seems to be varying opinions. Just left consultation with our family dentist. His recommendation...extract the tooth. If it comes out in one clean piece, close up the hole and let it heal. Bone should fill in enough in time to support an implant if desired.

If tooth breaks upon extraction and roots need to be dug out, he recommended having the graft substrate used. That way, there is assurance of enough bone to support an implant down the road.

Nick...resorption has apparently broken through as it was infection between the gum and damaged tooth that started to hurt. Did not get a CT, and don't have the X-rays, but will ask if they'll e-mail them to me.

A couple of reasons for my hesitation to just jump in and do the whole enchilada. First is just the intrusion into life's never-ending demands (work, kids, etc.). Second is my distaste for anything that involves cutting me opened! Third is a feeling that the advice I'm receiving is motivated by money rather than what I really need. It is, after all....a business.

Here is the estimate I received:

Intravenous sedation (conscioius sedation)/analg 1st 30 min $234
Extraction - Surg/erupt tooth $392
Bone repl graft $995
Visit 1 Total $1621

Intravenous sedation $234
Endosseous Implant $1950
Visit 2 Total $2184

Crown to be completed by family dentist $500 (guess)

Happy to pay a fair price, but not fond of getting ripped off as I have no basis for comparison. Appreciate any insight regarding this quote.