What all does the pressure affect?

[Kianda]

I'm new to diving, and have not done very deep dives yet...
I have a dislocated jaw that cannot ever be completely corrected, and I was just wondering if the pressure from dives would at all affect my jaw. If I clench the reg too tightly it throbs for a while afterwards, but I'm mainly wondering what the pressure will do. Any feedback's much appreciated!

 

[Web Monkey]

I'm new to diving, and have not done very deep dives yet...
I have a dislocated jaw that cannot ever be completely corrected, and I was just wondering if the pressure from dives would at all affect my jaw. If I clench the reg too tightly it throbs for a while afterwards, but I'm mainly wondering what the pressure will do. Any feedback's much appreciated!

If you mean that your jaw doesn't seat properly and you can't do things like chew or talk, you would need to see a doctor. If you mean that your jaw doesn't close evenly on both sides or your teeth don't line up quite right, you could try a moldable mouthpiece like the "SeaCure".

"Pressure" as in "water pressure" shouldn't make any difference, since your regulator matches the internal water pressure with air pressure.

Terry

 

[spectrum]

The pressure of depth only effects air spaces like lungs and ears.

If you are clenching your mouthpiece consider something like a sea-cure moldable mouthpiece. Making sure your second stage hose is sized and routed to flow naturally is also important.

Pete

 

[fisheater]

If you're worried about jaw fatigue from gripping your reg, seriously consider getting a SeaCure.

 

[S. starfish]

Apparently prolonged/repetitive exposure to pressure causes osteonecrosis, which is kind of sketchy. As far as your jaw is concerned I wouldn't think that there would be much to worry about unless you have an airspace of sorts that the rest of us don't have.

 

[TSandM]

There are two considerations: One is what the effect of the pressure is while you are at depth, and the other is whether there are any increased risks of decompression problems in the injured area.

In general, at depth, pressure only affects air-containing spaces, because water is all but incompressible, and the pressure simply equilibrates across water-based structures. Although there are some intriguing indications that organs may not function the same under hyperbaric conditions as they do at 1 ATA, the changes are subtle. I doubt there would be any detectable difference in the function of one's jaw.

The other consideration is the absorption and offgassing of nitrogen in damaged tissue. There is some concern about a high DCS risk in areas of scar, but this clearly is not a major problem for most people, as many folks dive symptom-free who have had old fractures or surgery.

So in short, I'd say you don't have to worry about your jaw, except for the fatigue or discomfort of holding a mouthpiece for a prolonged period. And as you relax and stop clenching on the mouthpiece, this will get better, too!

 

[rawls]

If this continues to be a problem for you then I would consider the possibility of using a full face mask. They are more expensive but you should be able to find a good used one...emphasis on "good." If you do find a used one make sure you get it checked out by a tech that is familiar with the particular brand. In any event a full mask should take care of the jaw issue.

 

[SkipperJohn]

can you equalize your ears ok with this problem?

 

[don Francisco]

As others have said, the water pressure will not effect your jaw either way.

The muscle spasms, pain or TMJ symptoms some folks get from clenching the mouthpiece are caused by just that; holding the clench too tight or too long.

Others have suggested the Sea Cure moldable mouthpiece, which helps some people because it stays in place with very little bite pressure.

Alternatively, you might try a standard soft mouthpiece and prevent spasms by moving it around or chewing on it as you dive. This is what I do, and it costs me about $10.00 per year in replacement mouthpieces.