I have two small white sores next to a bad tooth. i need a root canal on that tooth. what are these sores ?

Draining fistula: When root canal for a tooth is needed it means that the nerve inside the tooth is abscessed, or infected. It usually starts as a toothache and progress to swelling if left untreated. The swelling forms an opening, fistula, and abscess drains out. Usually the tooth becomes less painful since the pressure from the abscess is less. Root canal usually takes care of the problem.

Hard to say...: Could be a draining abscess, could be a canker sore. Can't diagnose these problems, sight unseen, over the internet. Treat your tooth with root canal therapy and ask your dentist what these sores might be.

Sinus tract: Thus can be the site where the infection from your tooth is draining.

2 separate problems: 1. Bad tooth see a dentist for root canal treatment. 2. White sores are canker sores, the most common oral lesions. Individual ulcers typically last 1-2 weeks. The condition is idiopathic (cause is not known) recurrent aphthous ulcers is usually self-limiting.