I Have A Terrible Toothache That Has Been Recurring About

I have a terrible toothache that has been recurring about 3-4 times per year and started again 2 days ago. My dentist has looked at it in the past and done exrays but doesn't see anything unusual. The last time he thought it was a gum infection rather than an abscessed tooth and cleaned out the area near my tooth and I followed with a strong rinse at home. It was fine for a few months but now it's back and worse than ever...of course it's Saturday and I have to tough it! I have a large swelling on the jawline that's painful to the touch. The area of the pain is where I got a bridge last year. I am afraid I have an infection in the jawbone. How can I tell? And if so, will my dentist refer me to a surgeon or someone else to treat it?