dental decay in an old dog

I think I already know the answers to this, but am wondering if anyone else has had experience with dental decay in dogs. My first thought is to have the tooth pulled but I'm neither a vet or dentist, lol. I want to do what's best for this old boy.


I'm rather embarrassed to admit that I didn't notice that Lucky has a (large and rather obvious) cavity in one of his molars.

The cavity is on the cheek side on his left side.

A bit of Lucky's history: Lucky came to us as a stray two years ago, during a violent thunderstorm. I found him cowering in our garage. He was matted with burs, filthy dirty, smelly and skeletal thin. He's terrified of loud noises and raised voices. Just calling someone to the phone has him looking miserable and cowed. I assume he was already an older dog, as his muzzle was fairly grey. He's quite happy to be the third in the group.

We got to know each other as I cut out the burrs and mats of hair. It turned out that he's very well trained, a gentle soul. From his behaviour and responses to commands I've thrown at him, I'm guessing he had been a farm dog, probably working cattle. We live a couple miles out from a small town. We did make every effort in finding his owner.

Lucky has a large 'personal space' that he guards diligently, with his feet and tail being 'off limits'. It took almost a year for him to be comfortable and trusting with me clipping his toenails.

His face is almost completely grey now, right up to his eyebrows.

I found this bad tooth this morning, Lucky didn't want to go outside again, and refused to come when I called him (VERY UNUSUAL) I went up the stairs to find him on the landing, and stroked his head and told him to come outside. He snarled at me! The first time in two years. I checked his ears and then his mouth, then found the cavity.

He has not given me any other hints that he had pain. (This tooth looks ugly) He's eating well, dry food national brand lamb & rice.

I will call our vet as soon as her office opens to discuss our options but would appreciate any thoughts.

Lucky deserves his 'retirement' to be as comfortable as I can make it.

thanks so much!