Irreversible Pulpitis: What to Do When a Toothache Won’t Go Away You are winding down after a long day, but the moment you lie down, a sharp, throbbing pain shoots through your jaw. You try drinking a glass of cold water to numb it, but the pain intensifies and lingers for minutes, maybe even hours. If this sounds familiar, you aren't dealing with a simple sensitive tooth. You may be experiencing a condition ...