What is the best thing to take for dental pain?

Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen and orajel until you see your dentist, hopefully sooner than later. Also swishing with salt solution and listerine might help a little too.

An anti-inflamatory: Nsaids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, such as Ibuprofen (advil) or Naproxen (aleve), as needed for relief of pain and inflammation.

Be Free...: Once you're clear of what ails you, make one of the wisest decisions you can (if you haven't already): regularly visit your dental provider and prevent surprises like you are currently experiencing. There is really no good time for an emergency, and the majority of them are avoidable :-).

Acupuncture: First see your dentist to find out the source of pain and to have necessary dental interventions. In addition to the recommendations you have already received, auricular (ear) acupuncture is outstanding for analgesia. The small needles remain in place for up to 7 days and continue to work as long as they are in place. Very safe and very effective.

OTC, DDS: NSAID (ibuprofen) until you see DDS ASAP.