To Pull or Not to Pull

Sometime ago, I had a root canal and crown on the tooth 2nd from the back, upper left hand side. About 18 months ago, at a checkup, I mentioned that I had recently experienced a little "pocket" on the side of this tooth (that would pop with pressure) and some tooth sensitivity but nothing truly painful. An Xray confirmed some activity with the tooth roots(1 of 3?) and I was referred to an endodontist who told me that the tooth could not be saved and that an extraction was in the future. After that visit, I decided to wait as I was having no real issues with the tooth and it (to this day) was not displaying mobility or consistent sensitivity and no pocketing. However, there is no doubt that the tooth is decaying from the roots as I use a water-pik and, when I do that tooth, it emits a foul odor of decay and some, slight sensitivity. My concern is the effect that this decay could have on the rest of my teeth, gums, general health, etc. Is it recommended that I have the tooth extracted immediately or is it safe to keep this chewing surface intact as long as I have no pain or mobility issues? Thanks.