Just an opinion from a medical jock... Think most of the advice here is good.
 
If you and your dentist feel that the foundation and function of the tooth is needed for quality of life, and if the bone structure beneath is deemed to be in tact, root canal is not a bad option even if costly. If done properly, will last for many years since the root canal recedes and dies off with the ravages of time anyway. All of your teeth are undergoing a programmed root canal. New growth and communication with the tooth petrifies as we grow older. Means nature imposes a time response root canal on all of us over the long haul.
 
If the tooth is not needed for chewing up stuff, get the damn thing yanked out. Cheaper, quick, socket will heal up in a couple months entirely minus a possible few reactive nerve connections that will protest the extraction.
 
John

Thanks John, the rather pretty young Iraqi dentist lady pulled the bugger out 2 days ago. Took her several goes and about 15 minutes, but she got it all in one piece. A bit of soreness yesterday but seems fine now. My teeth don't look great, but they haven't given me much trouble, this is the first extraction in about 40 years.

Alluding to your dentist comment above, I had one that I firmly believed enjoyed causing pain.  His name?  Dr. Bliss!
 
Every time I was there he would spend the bulk of the visit gossiping with the hygienist...