EzJim,
I believe as liz stated; that the gland would be the parotid. It sits right around the ear and extends below it and into the cheek. It is the biggest supplier of saliva. If it is inflammed, swollen or funtioning improperly it can put pressure on the vascular bundle, (artery, vein and nerve), that run around, under and sometimes through its expanse. Your symptoms would lead me to believe that it is the facial and/or maxillary artery; not carotid artery that is being referred to. The pain would most likely be caused by pressure or impairment on the facial nerve in this bundle not the artery itself. I hope this is useful.
Cheers,
Mike