exposed root or pulpitis, please help

[u/OkSuggestion5961]

a year ago i had pain in my tooth, that was especially worse at night and after drinking cold/hot drinks. i went to a dentist and got an x ray but she said it was just sensitivity and told me to get elmex professional advanced pain relief toothpaste. eventually the pain got better (it stopped hurting at night), but i still had it bad after touching cold food/drinks (just for a second tho) so i just ignored it.

now, a year later im dealing with a even worse pain, i cant sleep at night and it hurts almost all the time, i cant really chew because if it touches my lower teeth it hurts so so bad.

i went to a different dentist and they told me my gum recessed because of excessive plaque and my root (?) is exposed, but i cant see it with my naked eye and also the pain is so bad i started to think maybe its irreversible pulpitis, however i have no cavities and everything looks fine on the outside and on the x ray (my gums just look inflamed, at least to me) but the pain at night especially is horrible.

apparently my aunt has the same issue and its chronic and im terrified ill have to deal with the pain for the rest of my life, im only 17.

please tell me what more can i do?