Hi ibdvine,

I've been through a similar situation, in fact exactly like JustJane.
And after everything, one thing I can say is that if something like a valium or another anxiolytic makes the pain go away, it's probably a nerve disorder.

My story in a nutshell.
Started with pain on right side of my face, treated for sinus infections and referred to a dentist and ENT. (months and months on and off antibiotics and even sinus surgery suggested.)
Started with dental work a year ago and a domino effect followed.
-Top 2nd molar pulled because of major pain, the pain didn't stop in the area.
-Removed bone graft 6 months later, no infection present. OUCH!!
-Then extracted the bottom 2nd molar.
-Then ended up root canaling both 1st molars...
---The pain in the area did not stop. In fact got worse because of the abuse of the area by dentists.
-TMJ diagnosis and mouth guard which has helped a bit because I do clench.

After multiple ct-scans and mri's "everything looks great"!!
And the root-canals seem perfectly done.

But the cheek and jaw pain didn't cease, and it would always start with the molars on the right side feeling swollen with a dull pain that would sometimes turn sharp to the point that i'd want to pass out.
Often turning into an intense migraine lasting a couple days on end.
This would include ear and neck pain all the way through the cheek and lower jaw, always only on the right side.

Finally I stumbled across something when I took a Valium and amazingly all of the pain/pressure in my teeth was gone.

So after many incompetent doctors and specialists that are always convinced that you have what they specialize in, I finally came across a doctor that has listened and explained to me how this is probably trigeminal neuralgia and atypical migraine.