Can a tooth abscess create painful lymph nodes in the neck on the side of the tooth ache? i've had on/off lymph pain for about 3 mos.

Yes.: Usually tooth infection whether acute or chronic will trigger the immune system to react. Lymph nodes swelling is one of this reaction. Please consult a dentist for proper treatment.

Yes: Please seek dental treatment immediately. You've waited about three months too long to be seen. This problem will not resolve without care, and can only get worse.

Yes: yes, the lymphatics in your neck are in a chain leading to multiple nodes being inflamed.