Exposed Nerve on Tooth, Temp filling on

I had an old filling removed and was told I needed a root canal. Knowing I didn't want to do this, the dentist put a temporary filling on. Then I moved out of town. The temp lasted 1 month and then (just recently) apparently cracked. My "new" dentist wanted to replace the temp (since a cracked filling isn't good) and when he went in, he found "the nerve was exposed" and told me I needed a root canal right there. Again, not wanting it, I had him to put another temp on until I could figure what to do. The pain now (which wasn't there before, so it is obviously aggravated?!) is excruciating! Does anyone have any advice for the pain? Does anyone know what do for an exposed nerve under a temporary filling? Will oil pulling help? Will the thieves/clove help? Any help is much appreciated! Does anyone know? Thanks! Tweet