I have an abcessed tooth, the swelling in my face hasn't gone down yet and they prescribed me penicillin and hydrocodone yesterday.. how long ?

24 - 48 hours: It can take up to 48 hours for antibiotics to make a difference with a dental infection. I hope you have made an appointment to have the tooth treated. Unlike other bacterial infections in the body, a dental infection will not go away simply with antibiotics. The source of the infection, needs to be removed (root canal therapy), assuming the tooth can be saved. Good luck.

Days: May take 2-3 days to see limitation of infection. Antibiotics, however, will NOT cure an abscessed tooth. Pain killers will only mask symptoms. You need to see a Dentist to have the tooth treated (root canal or extraction), or the infection will come roaring back once meds are discontinued. Call now for an appointment.

36-48 hours: Hydrocodone will not help with swelling; penicillin (2 gm/day) should begin working to reduce swelling in 36-48 hours.,

See a dentist ASAP: Antibiotics do not treat a dental infection, they suppress the symptoms of the infection just long enough for you to get your dental treatment done. Dentist will treat a tooth abscess by treating the cause and getting rid of the infection. Do not delay. Good luck.

One to three days: More importantly, who are "they"? If you are referring to physicians in an ER, then you need to see a dentist ASAP. The area may to be drained, the tooth may need to be opened. Antibiotics will not cure your problem.