movable 'ball' in my jaw

I have had this movable 'ball-like' thing in my jaw for a couple years now. It causes the worst pain I have ever felt. The pain starts at the source, then spreads to my ear, neck, face, sinuses, head. Its like a throbbing-sharp pain that never goes away. It seems to be worse when I have a cold or sinus issues. It started at a time when I was into cocaine quite heavily (im only sharing this to throw it out there if theres any relation). At first I thought it was a toothache, maybe even an absess (abscess). I went to a few diff dentist with no luck. Finally I found a dentist that I pretty much forced to pull a tooth because I thought thats what it was. The pain didnt go away. I started taking alot of pain meds -hydros & oxies because tylenol or ibuprophen didnt work. Long story short- last year after seeing multiple dentists, oral sugeons, speacialists, and even my own Dr, my surgeon recommended a fine needle biospy and a CT scan. Nothing came of it. Then went to an ENT that said he could 'remove' it. He did a qiuck office procedure, removed 'something' and I went on my way.
She now wants me to try a steriod. She warned of the major risk of doing a surgery because of the nerve. If they damaged it- I could have face paralysis. She also said the previous ENT was 'lucky' that he didnt do any damage and that he should have done it in an OR with a 'nerve monitor'.

Has anyone ever heard of this? What should my next steps be? I dont really want to take the steriods because of all the side effects- but am willing to do whatever it takes. Any suggestions/advice/opinions are welcome and appreciated.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

You may want to ask this question in the ENT section of the forums.  I can't say whats going on for sure but have you tried seeing a TMJ specialist or an orofacial pain specialist?

[mshvanslyke]

Thank you. I didnt realize there was an ENT section. I will try that.

[mshvanslyke]

And no I havent- what exactly is an 'orofacial pain specialist', where would one find one of those? =)

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Here's the link to the American Academy of Orofacial Pain

http://www.aaop.org/index.asp?Type=NONE&SEC={D19A37C3-C634-4EF3-8CC4-1E9C4BF8CDB5}

Maybe you can contact them or find a local member near you.  Just because they're a member doesn't necessarily mean they specialize in it.  That's why I think asking for clarification through the academy may be a good idea.