Can clindamycin be used to treat an abscessed tooth?

Yes, short term: Clindamycin is a very good antibiotic for dental infections. However, you must go to the dentist for treatment of an abscessed tooth. Antibiotics will only relieve your pain short term because the source of the infection is still there. Treatment options are a root canal or extraction.

Temporarily: Clindamycin, while a great antibiotic will only help to reduce the consequence of the underlying problem. If the gum is swollen around the tooth i would recopmmend that you see a periodontist. If the gum is not swollen and you are in a significant amount of discomfort i would recommend that you see an endodontist.These dentists would resolve the source of the infection to prevent return.

Yes: Clindamycin will access to the bone surrounding the tooth apex to treat the abscess by reduced the swelling and relieve the pain. However, root canal procedure must be carried out to complete the treatment otherwise it will recur.

Antibiotics/Abscess: Antibiotics reduce level of infection and reduce spread, but do not cure dental abscess. Once discontinued infection will come roaring back. For cure, infected tooth material must be completely eradicated either by root canal/crown or extraction/implant/crown. Clindamycin would not be my first choice, but it is often used as a first-line substitute. You need Dental Treatment, not just pills.