I had a tooth extraction done 2 1/2 weeks ago. it has been very painful and is now red and i think abscessed. but i just saw dentist wednesday.

Pain Source ???: Only a Dentist can determine if an infection exist. Generally the pain is from another source like maybe a TMJ pain that triggers that area. It could also be a bone area that is not reshaping itself very well and may need to be reshaped to heal better.

Question ?: Not sure what your question is. Allow your dentist to handle the problem and refer you to an oral surgeon if it continues.

Return: Return to your Dentist immediately. Referral to an Oral Surgeon may be in order, especially if there is an infection or a dry socket.

See below: See the dentist for a clinical examination, make sure to follow all instructions, such as no smoking. More important have a treatment plan about replacing the missing tooth.

Post op healing: It sounds like you have some concerns about healing after your extraction. The best thing to do is to contact the extracting dentist and report your concerns. If it is determined that there is an infection an antibiotic will be prescribed or changed. In the meantime follow the post op instructions you were given.

Cause of pain?: Your own dentist who just saw you should be able to explain what's going on and why you are still have problems. He/she is also best equipped to determine whether you are just experience delayed healing with a low pain threshold or if there is actually an infection and /or further treatment necessary. If you are unsatisfied with his/her explanation, consult an Oral Surgeon for a second opinion.

Monitor change: Re-evaluate the symptoms you are experiencing and determine whether they are increasing (getting worse) decreasing (getting better). If you are improving consistently (even if it's slow), you are probably fine; pending this is consistent with the instructions your provider gave you. If you are getting worse or nothing, you should make another follow-up appointment.