Question: Why should I have a root canal when an extraction is less expensive?
Answer:  First of all,  there is no more comfortable or functional tooth than your own, and you need teeth to chew, to look good and to speak.  Lost back teeth are important to the way you look because when teeth are missing the facial bone around them resorbs  resulting in an older caved-in look. Also, it is much less expensive and far easier to save a single tooth than to get a bridge, implant or denture.  In general terms,  there is nothing you can do to get your teeth back once they are lost.  Nothing is as good as a natural tooth.

Question:  I have read on the Internet that root canals are bad for one's health.  Is that true?
Answer:  There is much pseudoscience on the Internet.  Some of it seems quite convincing.  When examined, most of these non-conventional sites are selling something, their services, supplements, whatever.  You need to ask yourself what  is motivating the writer of these sites.  Also,  what science backs up their claims?  Anyone can make up a theory and convince others but you need to find out where the author is "coming from" and why he or she is so hostile to dentistry as it is taught in dental schools today.  You also need to hear the opposing arguments.  It is often helpful to visit QuackWatch.com, or the American Dental Association .

In the case of root canals, much has been made of the fact that the tooth is not alive and can become chronically infected.  In fact, a tooth that has a root canal stays in the mouth and is held in by living tissues that are not rejecting it at all if it is properly done. The tooth is not still infected.  Root canals have a long history and have saved many many teeth.

Question:  Do I need an endodontist? 
Answer: An endodontist is a root canal specialist.  Many general dentists are quite good at root canals and others never do them at all.  Most general dentists are like me:  I do them unless the tooth looks like it will especially difficult for some reason.  I refer teeth to an endodontist when there are twisted roots, calcified canals and difficult access.  If your general dentist tells you he or she thinks you need a specialist,  its best to go to a specialist!  Dentists should know their limitations. Conversely,  If you are wary for some reason when a general dentist wants to do a root canal, do not hesitate to say that you prefer to go to an endodontist.

Question: What is the relationship between root canal and crowns?
Answer: In general, A root canal is needed when the tooth is sick or dying. A crown is needed when there is not enough tooth structure present due to decay, a fracture, etc.  Thus:

If a tooth needs a crown, but has a healthy nerve, it does not necessarily need a root canal.  If a tooth needs a crown and also has an unhealthy nerve, both a crown and root canal may be necessary. Sometimes, a crown will be done (usually on a tooth that had deep decay or a fracture) and after the crown is placed, the tooth health degenerates and a root canal may be needed.

Some teeth are shaped so that having a root canal will render them prone to fracture through the center of the tooth.  These teeth (Usually molars or teeth already weakened by previous decay) are better treated with a crown after the root canal.

(Note that, before high speed water-cooled drills redefined dentistry (around 1960), just the heat from preparation of a crown often killed the tooth. Therefore,  in the past, having a crown meant a root canal should also be done.  This is no longer true, although, a crown preparation can be 'the last straw' for an already sick tooth.)

Sometimes, when there is not enough tooth left to hold a crown, a root canal will be necessary in order to place a post / core.  See dentalcaps.com for into on this.)