The Role of Vitamin D in Dental Implant Success

Vitamin D is famous for the many health benefits it can provide. However, it is not typically brought up in conversations about dental implants, even though it can play an important role in the success of this treatment. Just how can vitamin D support dental implant success, and what steps can you take to get more of this vital nutrient? This blog post provides some helpful information.

Vitamin D and Bone Health

Vitamin D is crucial for bone health. It allows your body to absorb and properly utilize other nutrients, including calcium and phosphorous, both of which are important for your bones. A lack of vitamin D is correlated with an increased incidence of osteoporosis and bone fractures.

In order for your dental implants to succeed, your bones should be healthy. That is because once the implants are inserted into your jaw, it will remodel around them and bond with them. This biological process, called osseointegration, has a greater chance of success if your vitamin D levels are adequate.

Vitamin D and Immune Function

Beyond bone health, vitamin D has another important function; it helps to support your immune system. In other words, it can help your body fight off infections. Infection is one of the greatest threats to dental implants; when harmful bacteria attack the gums and bone around an implant, it could eventually fail. Vitamin D may play a role in preventing that from happening.

Tips for Getting More Vitamin D

According to one estimate, around 35% of adults in the U.S. have vitamin D deficiency, while many more may have vitamin D insufficiency (a deficiency is more severe than insufficiency). What can you do to get more of this nutrient? Here are some tips:

• Get some sunlight. The human body can make its own vitamin D, but it can only do so when the skin is exposed to sunlight. For most people, spending just 10 – 30 minutes in the midday sun for several days each week can allow them to get enough vitamin D. (If you have darker skin, you may require more sun exposure than people with a fair complexion.)
• Use a UV lamp. In some cases, the weather can make it difficult to spend time outdoors. As an alternative, you could sit next to a special lamp that emits UVB rays.
• Eat foods that are rich in vitamin D. Egg yolks, fortified dairy products, fatty fish, and mushrooms are all good sources of vitamin D.
• Take a supplement. The market is full of vitamin D supplements. Choose one that features vitamin D3 (not D2). It would also be smart to do some research on the reliability of various brands so you can be sure to choose a high-quality product.

Vitamin D can help your dental implants succeed! Try to make small adjustments to your lifestyle so you can get enough of this important nutrient.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Bianca Sanchez is a San Antonio native who is proud to serve her community. Along with our talented support team, she provides start-to-finish dental implant services and a range of other treatments. If you have questions about how you can enjoy a successful tooth replacement journey, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our office at 210-690-2727.