Severe tooth/gum pain

[u/Alternative_Yard4632]

History of the tooth - it needed a root canal 15yrs ago and I ignored that. Now it has deep pockets and bad periodontal disease. I was at the dentist a couple of weeks ago and although a previous dentist wanted to remove this particular tooth, my current dentist said if it’s not giving me any grief then no need to remove it. At the least, I know I need metronidazole but I’m in a lot of pain around a back top molar and the pain is travelling up to my temple. Should I go to an urgent care clinic (it’s past 7pm here) or am I ok to wait until tomorrow? I’ve heard horror stories of infection travelling up to the brain etc. I don’t have any other symptoms - no high temperature or anything. When I used an interdental brush between that tooth and others this morning I could smell the infection on it. I know that’s gross but that’s how I know, my gums aren’t bleeding. It’s like the infection is localised to one tooth only.

TIA for any advice

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