An abscess occurs when the nerve of a tooth dies and then becomes infected. The nerve in a tooth can die as a result of pulpitis, or trauma, gum disease or as a result of a very deep filling. The pain is not made worse with extremes of temperature, but pressure on the abscessed tooth causes extreme pain. The pain is caused by a build-up of pressure at the end of the root because of the infection. Painkillers such as paracetemol and ibuprofen can help to control the pain. To relieve the pain, the infection has to be drained and often antibiotics are prescribed.