old "silver" crown came off - abcess and ear infection HELP PLEASE

[blacktooth]

I had an old "silver" crown that came off of a tooth I had a previous root canal on (around 13 years ago). The tooth underneath the crown is a blackish-blue color and I have a raging toothache. The dentist said to take antibiotics for a week and then come back for him to re-do the root canal and *try* to save this tooth. The pain continued for several days and now I have a horrible ear infection (but on the ear on the other side). I am now on 4000 mg of Augmentin for the ear w/ruficin (sp) shot as well. I am in horrible pain ~ My question is should I try to get an emergency extraction of the tooth that is black and hurting? Can the tooth be the cause of the ear infection? Please help, any advice is GREATLY appreciated...I am scheduled for the root-canal re-do in 6 days but I don't think I can make it.

Sincerely,
Blacktooth

[jo115]

A related discussion, Pain on right side of mouth after crown was started.

[blacktooth]

Thanks for your quick response and for providing this service.

I have been seen once and given the script for anitbiotics/pain meds...I guess I am wondering if there is anything they can do now or do they have to wait until the abcess/infection clears to do either an extraction or root canal, this was what the dentist said (that the infection has to be cleared up first) is this correct or can they start a root canal now?

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

You should be seen asap--whether the tooth can be saved I could not give an opinion from this forum.You should not be in this much discomfort for any period of time if possible.