DAN Medical Frequently Asked Questions
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Dental Implants
How long before I can dive after dental implants?I am considering having dental implants put in. How long do I have to wait after the implants are in until I can dive?
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:
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.