Tooth Concern

[NeMEed]

Ok, I've heard one nasty story about a bad cavity filling and a guy going diving and having the filling pop off in his mouth! That scared the crap out of me!

I haven't been diving at all yet, I'm not even certified! But I'm scared to death because I do have a few fillings and I know I have about 2 cavities in my molars.

I *think* the filling should be ok, I have a good dentist. My question is, will cavities cause any problems while diving? As far as teeth being blown apart :11: ??

I'm really sorry if this is a really dumb question!

 

[BarryNL]

It is a genuine concern, though it's very rare. So long as your dental treatment is up to date there shouldn't be a problem. If you do need some dental work done, get it done before diving.

 

[japan-diver]

Cavaties should not be a problem as the expanding air on ascent will not be held in, poor filling are even less of a concern as this can occur but is very rare. If you have flown in a plane since your last dental work you would know as flying has the same pressure effects as diving just in reverse.

 

[captndale]

Although tooth squeeze can occur it is quite rare. More common is sinus squeeze that is mistaken for tooth squeeze. What feels like tooth pain while diving is more often pain in the sinus cavity.

 

[DaytonaDave]

I've got several fillings and crowns... no problems at all....

 

[NeMEed]

Thanks everyone! I feel much better! Since I've flown recently I doubt I'll have any problems!

 

[fisheyeview]

You should be fine. Since you have flown and did not have any problems you should be good to go.

I have had a tooth squeeze recently. I have a temporary crown in. There is a slight air void under the temporary. It can be annoying.

 

[scuba243]

Same here, I have a few fillings and one crown.. Have no problems at all. You should be good.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

I have had multiple fillings with no problems. My son had a tooth pulled and I think there was a 6-8 week(I can't remember the exact time) waiting period before he should dive.

 

[chipwd]

I have a crown and several fillings and never had any issues until recently. I did some shallow dives with Spectrum up in Maine and had a little weird itchy feeling in the back of my jaw when I did some headfirst descents. I think the problem was my sinuses however, and not my teeth as I also had a slight head cold going on.