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