I have had both ways. 20yrs ago I cracked the very back upper and had it pulled, altho the crappy insurance I had at the time had a part in the decision. 3yrs ago while checking on what seemed to be a crack my dentist actually finished it off while testing it. I was about to say pull it but then he explained that we should try to save it with a root canal/crown and I freaked out, but he assured me it would not be bad and since he was a fellow sledder I could trust him, actually he got us both back into the office for regular visits which is next to impossible with the wife. So this time around I decided with the root canal and since we have great insurance this time I had to at least try. I have to admit I can't say I enjoyed it but it was not really that bad, the tough thing is having to have multiple trips and there is some time involved but the things they do now are not like the past or at least they have gotten better at it.