I would really very much appreciate an expert view on the situation below if
someone can spare the time to reply.

I've just returned from a 2nd failed attempt at removing a lower molar.

It was decayed below the gum. This time the crown snapped off just below the gum
line! The dentist spent 1/2 hour trying to get the two "prongs" (sorry I've no
idea what they are properly called) out without success. He said at one point he
needed a narrow <something> tool because there was little to grip in order to
extract the pieces (which were still very painful when pulled upwards), but
didn't have one. I have no idea if this tool would have made much differernce
though the way things were going.

He then said he would refer me to the hospital. Which was both a shock and huge
disappointment to me - have just gone though all that.

He then changed his mind and said he'd like to "reassess" things in a week (with
a view, I think, to another attempt at removing what's still there).

I asked whether the nerves were now exposed as the top of the tooth was missing
and was very worried I could be in extreme pain if this was the case. He said no
the nerves were out crown but I would experience pain from bone and gums after
the attempted extraction.

I don't mean to imply the dentist doesn't know what he is doing in the slightest
I think this is a difficult task with this tooth (angle it's at etc) - but I
just cannot decide on a course of action now. Should I go with what he says - or
ask he reconsider his first oprtion and refer me to the dental hospital?

Is he correct about the nerve being gone now?

I just remembered he also said, sometimes those parts can be left in place. Is
this a realistic option?

At the moment I am dreading when the local anathestic wears off and what it may
be like.

Many TIA for comments on any of the above.