How painful are the symptoms of a tooth abscess?

The symptoms of a tooth abscess are very painful. Many describe the pain as a sharp or severe shooting pain that is continuous, or a pain that is gnawing or throbbing in nature.

If one experiences symptoms such as fever, swollen gums, a bitter taste in the mouth or a foul odor of the breath, along with severe pain, then one should see the dentist as soon as possible. A tooth abscess, if left unchecked, can lead to life-threatening complications.

Usually, abscesses are treated with prescription antibiotics. Sometimes, a dentist or doctor may perform a root canal if they believe the tooth can be saved, while other times, surgery may be required to drain the infection.