Filling/extraction

[Kirstie]

I am petrified of the dentist (and consequently never go ). However, due to chronic toothache I am being forced to go, so I've got an appointment on Weds afternoon at 3pm.

I'm supposed to be acting as DM on a dive on Weds evening. If I have a filling or extraction, will I be able to dive or should I change my appointment?

[uwila]

if it's an extraction, particularly a molar, then you may well be too distracted by pain to be 100% safe in the water. A filling shouldn't be a problem though.


Remember: if in doubt, don't dive.

Good luck from a fellow dentaphobe, Chris

[Kirstie]

Originally Posted by uwila

if it's an extraction, particularly a molar, then you may well be too distracted by pain to be 100% safe in the water. A filling shouldn't be a problem though.


Remember: if in doubt, don't dive.

Good luck from a fellow dentaphobe, Chris

Hmm. I think I might be in for an extraction

I've stocked up with Nurofen, clove oil and soluble disprin. If the pain subsides I shall cancel the appointment, craven coward that I am.

[SilvaFish]

Horror stories of cavities, expanding air from ascents and exploding teeth spring to mind. Also how painful is it to bite on the reg? Any tissue tenderness, risking DCI in those spots, etc?

You know it makes sense - health comes first, water will always be there.

[Kirstie]

Originally Posted by SilvaFish

Horror stories of cavities, expanding air from ascents and exploding teeth spring to mind. Also how painful is it to bite on the reg? Any tissue tenderness, risking DCI in those spots, etc?

You know it makes sense - health comes first, water will always be there.

The toothache only started last night (and by God, I was in agony) so I haven't tried biting on a reg yet. It's a dull ache at the moment, the worst has passed. It hurt so much last night that I didn't know what to do with myself.

I know I need to get it sorted, I do get twinges after diving because of the cold water.

[MATTBIN]

Kirstie,
I had a filling repaired last wee, I mentioned I was a diver, the dentist suggested I wait 48hrs before diving. Not sure if that would be the same advice if you were just doing it in a swimming pool though.
Matt

[Gav]

Hi Kirstie

I can sympathise, I'm off to the Dentist on Thursday afternoon for an extraction

I had it prescribed last Tuesday and the Dentist put me on antibiotics for a week to "calm it down". I haven't had any problems with diving with the tooth as it is, but I did take the precaustion of booking the appointment AFTER this weeks Wednesday evening dive and not before as I don't think I'll be in a fit state for a day or two.

I hate the Dentist as well, so if you want we can compare notes after

[Kirstie]

Originally Posted by MATTBIN

Kirstie,
I had a filling repaired last wee, I mentioned I was a diver, the dentist suggested I wait 48hrs before diving. Not sure if that would be the same advice if you were just doing it in a swimming pool though.
Matt

I see. I'm due to DM an AOW navigation dive off a boat on Wed evening. Perhaps I'll change (cancel) my appointment.

[Kirstie]

Originally Posted by Gav

Hi Kirstie

I can sympathise, I'm off to the Dentist on Thursday afternoon for an extraction

I had it prescribed last Tuesday and the Dentist put me on antibiotics for a week to "calm it down". I haven't had any problems with diving with the tooth as it is, but I did take the precaustion of booking the appointment AFTER this weeks Wednesday evening dive and not before as I don't think I'll be in a fit state for a day or two.

I hate the Dentist as well, so if you want we can compare notes after

It's funny, I've never in my life had a bad experience at the dentist (I was always made to go regularly as a child) but I'm so terrified I can barely sit still in the chair.

Perhaps I'll see if they've got an appointment later on......

[endoman]

If you have that much toothache then it sounds as though the pulp, ( nerve) of the tooth is involved. The pain goes as the tooth dies, and you then forget about it until the resultant empty air space gives you agony on a dive. Antbiotics are of little / no help. Taking ibuprofen is a good idea though. It helps our anaesthetic work better.

Don't be apprehensive re the treatment, you will be fine, better to get it done now, rather that loose a holiday because of pain. I saw a chap a couple of weeks ago the day he flew out to Dahab, he was most grateful to have things sorted so he could enjoy his diving.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out,

Bill