capped tooth - possible infection?

when i was younger my front tooth was broken and replaced with a cap. 7 years later it became infected and i had root canal surgery (is this where they take the nerve out?  as this is what happened)
over the last two years the gum become swollen and sore and receeds around the tooth.  what is happening?

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

It can be that the crown is no longer fitting well or you have a residual infection from the old root canal therapy. Either way it has to be diagnosed and treated.

[Babs1176]

I am a dental hygienist - not a dentist and wanted to comment on your situation.
In rare instances a root canal can fail...this is something only an xray can determine. Swelling can come from around the tooth - in the gum tissues and can make the tooth very sore.
Since you mention this has been going on for 2 years I have to ask...have you seen a dentist in that time? Does there even appear to be a bump or pimple  above the affected tooth? If so does the bump get larger adn smaller? Or is the sweling generalized?

The answers to ANY of these questions need to be evaluated by a dental professional as your symptoms can be caused by several things.

Good luck..and please have it checked out at least for your peace of mind!

Barb