Is decay below the gum line a bad prognosis for a tooth?

[snapper]

I have have been told that there is decay below the gum line on a back upper tooth. The tooth has been a bit problematic but has now settled. Iv'e also been told that I could loss the tooth as decay beneath the gum line is difficult to treat.

My question is, Is it possible to leave the tooth as it is, if it is no longer symptomatic? I'm concerned that the treatment is going to be worse than the disease! and result in me losing a painless, possibly dead or dying tooth that could remain functional in it's present state for some time.

 

[comfortdentist]

All decay will worsen unless treated.When there is decay under the gums too close to bone then you either expose more of the tooth or extract it.