Difference between abcess(abscess) and infected root

Is there a difference between an abcess (abscess) and an infection in the root?  I visited my dentist last Thurs. and he said I have an infected root.  He wasn't sure, though, if it was caused by an infected sinus cavity very close to the root.  He prescribed Amoxicillan, and after taking only 2 that evening, all of the severe pain in my tooth and jaw were gone within a few hours.  I mean this is a tooth that I couldn't even touch with my tongue that day, it hurt so bad.   Can antibiotics work that quickly?

Thank you.    

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

An abcess (abscess) is indicated by clinical symptoms, swelling,purulence,temperature etc. If the root is infected then I would think you need root canal therapy--a tooth can be sensitive to biting if it is near the sinus and the sinus is inflamed. These are two totally different conditions with different treatments. I can not tell which one without examining you.Ask your dentist if the nerve of your tooth is dead, in that case you would need root canal treatment.

[mike1105]

they can work quickly. an abcess (abscess) does not have to be around a root. the words "infected root" however, to meimply that there is a dental relatedabcess aound the root of a tooth. I would ask your dentist for clarification. a root canal specialist would be best qualified to tell you if the infection (abcess (abscess)) is coming fom the tooth (most likely, especially if there is a deep filling, decay or a previously done root canal in the tooth) or from the sinus.