Question:  I have one back molar that has been hurting me on and off for over a month now.  I saw a dentist and he is advising that I have a root canal.  I do not have the money to pay for such a service and I and left wondering if there is any alternative that would be cheaper. If not I do not think I will do anything, beside what if the dentist is wrong and all I need is a filling

Answer:  If you really need a root canal you only have two options: Having the root canal therapy or extraction of the tooth. There could be a chance that you have been misdiagnosed and if you feel that is the case then get a second opinion.

Yet the factor was about cost.  It is only cheaper to pull the tooth if you are going to leave a gap.  If not cost is can be the same if not more expensive.

If cost is the main issue here my advise would be getting either a low cost HMO insurance plan or a dental discount plan that can help you reduce your dental cost.  If not that go to a dental clinic or dental school for low cost services. The fact is doing nothing will only make matter worse so acting on this one way or another is important.