That sounds awful. I am sorry you are going through that.

I would call your back up dentist back and explain the specialist can't see you for two weeks. Obvious signs of infection need to be treated. There is no reason they can't peek in there and start you on an antibiotic if infection is present. They don't have to do anything about your gum or tooth and usually when there is infection they treat it with antibiotics for a week or so before doing any dental work anyway.

If they refuse to do even do a minimal screening that's just not right.