How long does a tooth abscess swell for before it starts to go down? i had pain last night got antibiotics this morning. then my face started to swell and has been since. ive taken 4 doses. the swellings up next to my nose and inside my upper lip?

It will take at least 48-72 hours before you see the swelling goes down provided you take the right antibiotic.

Depending on the extent of the infection it can take 2 to 3 days to see a major difference. If here is necrotic tissue and bacteria inside the tooth it may be necessary to start root canal therapy to remove the source of the infection.