what should i do about my TMJ?

hi everyone.

i have had TMJ symptoms since november 2010 now and its getting worse. first i had a clicking sound in my ears for a few weeks and then i heard a strange grating sound and i have not been able to open my mouth fuly since. i have pain in my ears very often and i get pain down the one side of my face that is affected by TMJ. i also find it hard to turn my head and eat.
First i just left it for a month or two then i went to see my GP who prescrided me with painkillers and said that there was nothing he could do. in feb this year it got better and i had less pain. this didn't last long though and now it is back worse than ever.
i have tried eating soft foods, not opening my mouth wide and not singing but this hasnt helped at all. I also dont think that i clench or grind in my sleep but im not entirely sure on that. i saw my dentist last week and she just said to leave it and go back in may but im not sure i can wait that long. i am 16 years old and i live in the UK. i am doing my GCSEs this year but i am not under much stress with them. i am in a lot of pain and i would like to know what you think i should do about this TMJ as i have read that people live with this for many years and i am quite scared about that as i am only young.

any help or advice that you could give me on what to do about this TMJ would be very helpful as i have no idea
thanks.