I have a tooth that had a root canal and the area around it is infected. I can't seem to get a dentist to help with it because the root canal specialist is very well known. I know politics should not play into getting dental help but it does. Anyway the infection has started to spread. If this is a failed root canal and I have the tooth pulled is there a chance the infection will go away?

You should be on an antibiotic if there is infection present. Sometimes root canals can be retreated but if not then the tooth should be removed. The infection can spread to adjacent teeth not to mention through your whole body making you feel unwell. If you aren't getting any satisfaction from the dental population go to emergency and get a doctor to prescribe an antibiotic.

It is not an uncommon thing to have a root canal fail. I have no idea why dentists won't touch the tooth just because a specialist in the area did the root canal. Did you go back to the specialist to have him/her look at it?

Yes and he said he did all he can do as a dentist... Not too interested in following up

It's time to find another dentist! Did the specialist not make any recommendations as to what your general dentist should do?
I suggest finding another dentist!

No, before I came to him my dentist couldn't find the last root so I found this specialist to finish. After I told the specialist that the tooth is still giving me problems he said "maybe Dr.--- shouldn't have started the root canal." The specialist has a lot of influence out here so when I go somewhere else the other dentists say he is a good dentist and then they say they don't see any problem.

I would suggest you get in contact with the state/province licensing body for the dentists. Provide dates and names of the dentists you have seen. NO dentist should pass the buck like it sounds your dentist is.
The tooth may be ankylosed which causes discomfort without showing anything on an x-ray. The only way you will know is when the tooth is removed. Removing the tooth will also show if the root is cracked.

How do I find a licensing body of dentists? I am in Western New York in the US. Your right they are all passing the buck. What does ankylosed mean? Thank you for helping me, I guess sometimes a stranger can do more than anyone.

You might be able to get the answer you need by contacting a number at this link:
NYS Professional Misconduct Enforcement - OPD Regional Offices (http://www.op.nysed.gov/opd/opdoffs.htm)

Ankylosed means the tooth is fused to the bone.