What is the key to handling pain?

I had so much planned for today. So much! Instead, I’m almost crippled with pain from an infected nerve in my tooth. And by ‘crippled’ I literally mean that I cannot even form a logical thought at times. By the way, I had two of my kids with no epidural or any pain meds - I can handle pain - but this... I’m beyond words when trying to describe it.
So... what is the key to handling pain?

Meditation teachers say that you have to embrace it instead of fighting it. Perhaps. But embracing something that’s a consequence of beyond unaffordable dental care is very hard indeed. I’m sure I wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place had I not been postponing the treatment forever. Let’s be honest - who can easily part with two grand to get their tooth fixed? So I guess it’s partly my fault...

Now I’m off to teach a belly dance class to twenty women - and I’d better be radiant with confidence and positivity. Needless to say, good vibes needed.

So... The question still stands. What is your key to handling pain (when 800 g ibuprofen doesn’t do the trick)?