It may not be the textbook typical TN (cold usually hurts,) although typical TN does come and go like you describe. It can bother you at night if you rub against a trigger spot. Sometimes the sharp pains are followed by a lesser ache that can last a while.
You could have some atypical or other form of TN.
A dentist should be able to rule out TMJ.
Best of luck.
I know that my problem sounds like TN, I thought maybe someone had a similar problem that turned out to be dental or TMJ, since mine doesn't seem exactly like TN. OH well, I was just hoping for any help I could get. The pain does start in the jaw area.
Thanks, Evie79.