Sinus membrane lift
I recently had a sinus membrane lift with an underlying bone graft in my upper jaw to allow placement of a dental implant. Will I have any short- or long-term restrictions on diving?
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, any underlying medical conditions, tobacco use and alcohol consumption can add to this waiting period.
During post-surgical osseointegration (fusion of the implant into the bone), it is necessary to avoid any activity that could apply pressure to the skin over the implant and cover screw or the healing abutment. Diving’s resultant pressure, no matter how slight, could damage the site if occurring too soon after surgery. If the regulator’s bite tabs are over the implant site, for example, transmitted biting forces can result in implant failure.
Diving should also be suspended for as long as it takes to avoid other complications associated with oral surgery: re-vascularisation (resumption of blood flow), stabilisation 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 recommend avoiding any activity that causes micro-movement for at least six months. It can take up to one year for complete bone healing at an implant site. Diving sooner than one year may not cause a problem, but your surgeon should determine the appropriate waiting period, and you should follow his or her advice.
— Marty McCafferty, EMT-P, DMT
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, any underlying medical conditions, tobacco use and alcohol consumption can add to this waiting period.
During post-surgical osseointegration (fusion of the implant into the bone), it is necessary to avoid any activity that could apply pressure to the skin over the implant and cover screw or the healing abutment. Diving’s resultant pressure, no matter how slight, could damage the site if occurring too soon after surgery. If the regulator’s bite tabs are over the implant site, for example, transmitted biting forces can result in implant failure.
Diving should also be suspended for as long as it takes to avoid other complications associated with oral surgery: re-vascularisation (resumption of blood flow), stabilisation 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 recommend avoiding any activity that causes micro-movement for at least six months. It can take up to one year for complete bone healing at an implant site. Diving sooner than one year may not cause a problem, but your surgeon should determine the appropriate waiting period, and you should follow his or her advice.
— Marty McCafferty, EMT-P, DMT
Categories
2024
February
March
April
May
October
My name is Rosanne… DAN was there for me?My name is Pam… DAN was there for me?My name is Nadia… DAN was there for me?My name is Morgan… DAN was there for me?My name is Mark… DAN was there for me?My name is Julika… DAN was there for me?My name is James Lewis… DAN was there for me?My name is Jack… DAN was there for me?My name is Mrs. Du Toit… DAN was there for me?My name is Sean… DAN was there for me?My name is Clayton… DAN was there for me?My name is Claire… DAN was there for me?My name is Lauren… DAN was there for me?My name is Amos… DAN was there for me?My name is Kelly… DAN was there for me?Get to Know DAN Instructor: Mauro JijeGet to know DAN Instructor: JP BarnardGet to know DAN Instructor: Sinda da GraçaGet to know DAN instructor Trainer: Christo van JaarsveldGet to know DAN instructor: Gregory DriesselGet to Know DAN Instructor: Beto Vambiane
November
Get to know DAN Instructor: Dylan BowlesGet to know DAN instructor: Ryan CapazorioGet to know DAN Instructor: Tyrone LubbeGet to know DAN Instructor Trainer: Christo van JaarsveldGet to know DAN Instructor: Caitlyn MonahanSafety AngelsDiving With A PFODiving Anilao with Adam SokolskiScience Saves SharksUnderwater NavigationUnderstanding Dive Equipment Regulations
2023
January
March
Terrific Freedive ModeKaboom!....The Big Oxygen Safety IssueScuba Nudi ClothingThe Benefits of Being BaldDive into Freedive InstructionCape Marine Research and Diver DevelopmentThe Inhaca Ocean Alliance.“LIGHTS, Film, Action!”Demo DiversSpecial Forces DiverWhat Dive Computers Don\'t Know | PART 2Toughing It Out Is Dangerous
April
July
August
September
Mismatched Scuba Valves to Cylinder OutletsUnderwater Crime Scene InvestigatorsDive Boat Etiquette – From Yachts to rubber ducksTravel Smarter: Personal Safety While TravelingLiability in ContextLearning from Success. Learning from MistakeDive in the Fast Lane with DPVsKwaZulu Natal shipwrecks: The ProduceAvoid Diving With EarplugsThe Parting Shot