Dental implants have an incredibly high success rate, especially in non-smoking patients, patients who do not have periodontal disease, patients who are not severe grinders, and patients who have good home care.
However, implants can fail. To stack the odds in your favor, you might want to consider having your vitamin D levels checked. Many of us are deficient without even realizing it.
Vitamin D (often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin”) plays an important role in maintaining strong bones . Vitamin D also helps our immune system function, and immune cells are some of the first cells to arrive to the site of implant placement immediately when the titanium post goes into the bone.
Vitamin D assists in the absorption of calcium and phosphororus, and if we are deficient in Vitamin D, we may not be absorbing enough calcium and phosphorus.
Vitamin D and it’s relationship to your dental implant:
- Bone Health: Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and maintaining bone density. Dental implant success is improved when patients have healthy bone and gums. Vitamin D ensures that the bone remains strong and can properly support the implant.
- Immune Function: Vitamin D also plays a role in regulating the immune system. A well-functioning immune system is crucial to prevent infections around the implant site, which can lead to early implant failure.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce inflammation at the implant site. Inflammation can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
- Gum Health: Healthy gums are essential for dental implant success. Vitamin D may help maintain gum health, reducing the risk of gum disease and infections that can jeopardize implant stability.
Ensuring optimal levels of Vitamin D prior to dental surgery may help the body’s own would healing ability. How to Ensure Sufficient Vitamin D for Dental Implants
The Major source of Vitamin D is from direct sunlight. There are some foods that an help with Vitamin D.
- Sunlight: The easiest way to get Vitamin D is through sunlight exposure. Spending time outdoors, particularly in the morning or late afternoon, allows your skin to produce Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
- Diet: Include Vitamin D-rich foods in your diet, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), egg yolks, fortified dairy products, and fortified cereals. Supplements may be necessary if dietary intake and sunlight exposure are insufficient.
- Consult Your Dentist and possibly PCP: If you're planning to get dental implants, it's a good idea to discuss your Vitamin D levels with your dentist They can recommend a blood test to check your Vitamin D status and provide guidance on supplementation if necessary.
Conclusion Dental implant success is influenced by various factors, and Vitamin D is emerging as an area of interest for implant surgeons. Ensuring optimal levels of Vitamin D prior to dental surgery can improve the body’s own ability for wound healing. Consider getting outside for daily walks to get a little sunshine and eating a well-balanced diet if you are planning to get a dental implant
