Hi all. Hope you can help. I had a sore, infected tooth. The dentist did the extraction even though it was clearly infected and a fistula had formed. She left a part of the root in and the site is now (48 hours later) swollen, sore and smells horrible. I just got antibiotics but can't shake the feeling that the dentist didn't know what she was doing.

There's no normal - some are and some aren't. Some dentists know what they are doing, others don't. I would only go to an oral surgeon for an extraction. But it's done now.

You need to take the full course of antibiotics, plus swish several times a day with warm salted water, trying to get any food out of the space. Not gargling - keep your mouth closed and created a whirlpool in your mouth. Brush gently the gum around the site to remove dead tissue that might be the cause of the smell, and stimulate new gum growth.

Its really sad that such dentists still do exist.
I would say that your primary concern should be to remove the root that has been left behind as it is going to be a big hindrance for you in the future... and this time as the person above has stated... you should visit an oral surgeon for the extraction.
Any tooth that has been decayed IS infected... no matter what the size of the decay.
In dental practice it is our primary concern to Save the Tooth... and ENTER Endodontists... these are dentists who have perfected the art of tooth filling and root canal therapies and other minor surgeries... if the tooth is beyond 'Saving'... ENTER Oral Surgeon... a dentist who extracts the tooth and deals with a large number of other maxillo-facial surgeries...
Hope this clears your doubt.
PS : Get the 'Root Stump' Extracted Asap !
I'm a final year student in dentistry... u can 'try' and believe in me ;)

Normally, the antibotics are given first, wait until the infection is over, then extract the tooth. I am not a dentist, but have had teeth problems all my life, but now have dentures, and love them!
Please see an oral surgeon to have the remaining problems taken care of. I would NOT go back to the same dentist! Good luck.
PS; As another said, swish some warm salt water around in your mouth a few times a day. It will help.