jaw pain

I got a couple of shots of novacaine when I got a small filling filled last August. After that I started experiencing jaw pain and had difficult chewing some foods and even chewing gum.  (I love to chew gum).  Six weeks later, I returned to my dentist and explained my problem.  I really thought it had something to do with the novacaine because the injection site was sore for a few days.  He took another xray and said he thinks my body may be rejecting a tooth because it appears that the root of the tooth wasn't as deep.  He said this could be my problem.  I am still experiencing random jaw pain (even when I am not chewing anything), and still can't chew gum.  I am returning to my dentist next week and I'll see what he says and if another xray shows anything.  I'm not going to let him pull my tooth without a second opinion.  Could there be some other reason I am experiencing this pain?  Could an infection last this long?  If I press down by the middle of my ear (by my face), I experience pain.  Help!

[scottma]

Your descriptions suggest temporomandibular disorder. Seeing a tmj specialist is advised.