When a tooth abcess hurts, does swelling go down?

Not necessarily: To reduce swelling, you need definitive dental treatment. See a dentist to perform what is necessary, otherwise the swelling and pain could get worse.

Not really: When you have an abscess, you need to have it treated. Please call a local dentist for a consultation and definitive care.

Dental abscess: These very dangerous conditions require dental care, often with surgical drainage and antibiotics in combination. Pain is an indication of inflammation and irritation of nerve endings in the area involved and swelling will usually increase.

Infection & swelling: Pain, extent of infection, seriousness of infection, danger of spread, amount and location of swelling, while all inter-related do not necessarily go hand in hand and in proportion to each other. In other words, you could have a very serious infection with no pain and no swelling and severe pain with no apparent swelling. Infections are dangerous and potentially fatal. See a dentist immediately!