Regarding the pain medication, when I went to a maxillofacial specialist when I could hardly open my mouth, ibuprofen, not tylenol, was what he said would help, and only if I took it faithfully, cyclically for so many weeks (check w/your doctor for what's right for you). You might try massage and see if you can find a physical therapist who specializes in TMJ dysfunction. I found acupuncture helped some if they put the needles in the jaw joint point, but if they put the needles up in a TMJ point in my head, it could give me a nasty migraine.
Dental visits suck when you have TMJ. My dentist always does my work in small sessions because he knows how painful it is to keep my mouth open for a long time. Even with small sessions he has to give me pain killers to take home.
Your situation *****. All I can suggest is avoid chewy foods and apply heat & cold to your jaw throughout the day. It probably won't take the pain away but it will help make things a little better. I have to do this often because my jaw is frequently sore. :( I wish there was more that could be done but as far as I know there isn't.
Good luck!