Facial swelling and pain from infection 5 days after a root canal.

I had a root canal done on an abscessed tooth five days ago. I had waited through toothaches for almost 3 years to get this root canal done due to fear, but once I saw a giant fistula form on my gum above the infected tooth, I finally decided to get it done. I had the procedure done in one sitting completely under IV sedation. I came home confused and went straight to rest. I was prescribed Vicodin and Clindamycin. I forgot to take the Climdamycin for the first two days, but picked it up immediately on day three. By the end of day three I found myself in EXCRUCIATING pain that 2 Vicodins couldn't ease and my face was still very swollen even after taking Clindamycin. I was so sick to my stomach due to the Clindamycin that I called my doctor to ask for something else less upsetting on day four. He prescribed Keflex instead. I've been taking it as prescribed for one whole day but the swelling and excruciating pain in my jaw, neck, temple and cheekbone/sinus continue to come and go every few hours. It is now 3 hours into day five and my face is still swollen and in pain. Is the medication successfully fighting the infection? I don't understand why the swelling and pain goes down slightly for a couple hours and then returns just as strong as before. How long should I be expecting swelling and pain after the root canal? My doctor said that if the infection doesn't seem to be going away after a couple of days, I should go to the hospital. What would they do to me at the hospital if I went? How much more time should I give the Keflex to work before I go to the hospital? I'm very scared that the infection is eating away at my face because I still feel pain and I still see swelling. I guess I just need a second opinion. I'm missing training at work due to this and my 21st birthday is coming up in a week. I don't want to be this miserable on my birthday :( please help.

[scottma]

Seeing an endodontist is advised.

[grannienannie]

girl sorry you feel so bad happy birthday! Take that tooth out im sitting here with an infection from a root canal the dentist did not detect...10 months my face been swollen and numb...and its because of a root canal i had done years ago...and i brush floss my breath dont stink and i have no bleeding...but now i look like a cancer patient..and i been in the hospital more than 30 time for this infection they couldnt find and try to treat in my face.i almost swollowed the crown when i  was eating soup and it was rusted and pus and my original tooth decayed underneath....all my teeth fell out because of this.over the years i had that crown and im sick waiting for a primary care..caues she refused me blood and urine test the other day...so listen take that tooth out PLEASE!!!! your too young to look like me and what im going through.

[patriciat]

You did not mention...was the doctor that performed a root canal an actual Endodontist or a general dentist? If he did not specialize in Endodontics, then I would see an Endodontist.

Also, which tooth did you have treated?