Medical FAQs

Here's a list compiled over the years of commonly asked questions. The list was created by DAN MDs and represent specific, evidence-based recommendations our member should take into consideration.

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I am an active diving instructor and need to have a molar tooth extracted and get an implant in its place. I would like to know how long you recommend waiting before going back to diving, under the supposition that there are no complications with either the extraction or the implant.
At this point, surgeons have not developed uniform recommendations related to oral surgery and scuba diving: generally, the more complicated the surgery, the longer the wait before diving. Surgical complications will add to this time, as can any underlying medical conditions, tobacco use and alcohol consumption.

During post-surgical osseointegration (the fusion of the implant into the bone), it is necessary to avoid anything that could apply pressure to the skin over the implant and cover screw or the healing abutment.

Diving too soon after surgery with its resultant pressure, no matter how slight, could damage the site. For example, if the regulator’s bite tabs are over the implant site, transmitted biting forces can result in implant failure. There are other considerations as well. Diving should be suspended for as long as it takes to avoid other complications associated with oral surgery:

  • revascularization (resumption of blood flow);
  • stabilization of the implant;
  • oral and sinus cavity pressure changes;
  • ability of the patient to hold a regulator in the mouth; and
  • use of medications for pain or infection.

 

Bone grafting procedures and sinus surgery are more complex and will require a longer waiting period. The larger the graft site, the longer the wait. Some doctors will recommend avoiding any activity that causes micro-movement for at least six months. It can actually take up to one year for complete bone healing at an implant site. While diving sooner than one year may not cause a problem, your surgeon should determine the appropriate time period. Even if your surgeon doesn’t dive, follow his or her advice.

As your implant is a molar, then the problem with the regulator bite does not apply but the other concerns remain.

I have two medical questions, both related to dental problems: how long should I wait to dive after a tooth extraction? And how long is it recommended not to dive after a bone transplant to place a future screw?
A tooth extraction does not necessarily require to interrupt your diving activity. If you did not have complications, you can dive whenever you want and feel fine. If you have received a bone transplant prior to implantation of dental prostheses, it is advisable to apply a prudent resting period.

Diving does not mean any particular problem for both procedures. Therefore, as soon as your maxillofacial surgeon authorizes you to perform normal activities of daily life, you will also be able to dive again.

I recently returned from a dive vacation. I experienced trouble with a tooth about a week after my return, and three days later required a root canal. My dentist said he knew another diver who had required root canal work; my wife's friend, also a diver, required a root canal too. Is this a coincidence or is it a problem related to diving?
There has been no established cause-and-effect relationship between root canals and scuba diving. It is possible that the repetitive action of clenching a scuba regulator with your teeth may have exacerbated an underlying problem.

Root canal therapy is generally necessary after a tooth nerve has been damaged from a direct blow to the dental area or the result of decay, abscess, or infection.
Most root canals are done in patients who are over 50 years of age and who have had one of these events occur after a lifetime of using their teeth.
In the thousands of certified divers over age 50, root canals are rarely reported. In all likelihood, the problem was just coincidental and would most likely have occured even if you had not participated in scuba diving.
There is a small risk of infection immediately after a root canal, but once you are released by your dentist, you should have no problem when diving.