I had an absess around one of my front teeth years ago. The greedy dentist I went to (he was sailing buddies with the guy I was dating) told me either lose the tooth or have a root canal done. I had a second opinion done (by his former colleague) who injected antibiottic directly into the absess. It cleared up and I still have my front tooth, intact. She told me that I have bone loss in that tooth. Haven't had a problem since.

Carole,

I don't see any reason why she should have a root canal at her age. I'd definitely get a second opinion.