This is from my own experience with an abscess.

I had an abscess earlier this year and let me tell you it was HELL. The onset was very fast and got worse and worse. I got on the antibiotics and went to the dentist four days later and by then I was pain free when he did a root canal and the pressure was relieved. There was no relief before that until I found some stuff that worked. I found that cold water made it feel better so I was drinking water like crazy. I went through sixteen liters of water by just sipping it non stop. The cold water made it feel so much better (may not work for everyone, who knows). I then got on pain killers two days later and they would work about an hour after I took them and would wear off an hour after that. I took Advil (IB Profin works great) in between that period. My feet were cozily numb and my pain was reduced considerably. I got depressed and felt really messed up, but I looked forward to feeling normal again. I also planned on going out and eating a nice juicy cheeseburger when I got better. I had something to look forward to. These things got me through those horrible days. I couldn't at times sit still the pain was so bad. I didn't find out what worked for me until the end of the third day, but if I ever get another abscess I'll know what to do and it won't be as bad.

I hope this helps anyone who gets an abscess and feels doomed. It will get better and when it does you'll feel great and you'll have something to scare your friends with.