I have had a couple of root canals and caps. Two things I would recommend:

1. Don't get the tooth pulled just because it is cheaper. If you have other teeth problems later you might need this tooth as an anchor for bridge work.

2. Since you are paying cash you can bargain with the dentist. He/she might let you pay on a time plan. Medical people will cut you some good deals just so they do not have to mess with insurance. Try bartering. My next door neighbor did a lot of house repairs for the dentist that owned the place in order to get teeth implants. It never hurts to ask.

I give 'em 15% off if they pay in full

I had a tooth pulled almost 3 years ago, second molar from the upper rear. Had the graft put in for a false tooth to be put in, and all. Then I moved, changed jobs, changed insurance, blah, blah, blah. I still have that "hole" between my teeth up there. It was pretty annoying for awhile, but I hardly notice it anymore. But yeah, it's probably going to be a mess for the dentist when I finally get around to having the false tooth put in.
Why'd you have to remind me of this?

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past MB rides:
'68 220D
'68 220D(another one)
'67 230
'84 SD
Current rides:
'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)

It's only $1500, unless you're very old and you still have almost all of your teeth, I'd have it fixed. BTW, the crown should cost around $750, and the root canal about the same.

ignore your teeth and eventually they will go away. Repair the tooth, don't just pull it and leave the socket empty, you'll end up with shifting problems and the upper teeth drifting downward because there isn't an opposing tooth to bite down on.

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"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL