A tooth can form an abscess if it is exposed to bacterial infection. The common signs of a tooth abscess include severe pain when drinking hot or cold beverages or biting, as well as spontaneous, throbbing pain and swelling around the tooth. In severe cases, patients may have swelling in their cheeks extending to the neck, and may also experience fever. In cases like this, immediate treatment by a dentist is needed to drain the abscess and stop the infection.