Symptoms:

The main symptom is a severe toothache. The pain is continuous and may be described as gnawing, sharp, shooting, or throbbing.

Other symptoms may include:

• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Breath odor
• General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling
• Fever
• Pain when chewing
• Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold
• Swollen glands of the neck
• Swollen area of the upper or lower jaw -- a very serious symptom

Signs and tests:

The patient will feel pain when the dentist taps the tooth. Biting or closing the mouth tightly also increases the pain. The gums may be swollen and red and may drain thick material.