Why Does Vitamin D Improve Dental Implant Success?

So, let’s say your dentist has just finished placing your dental implants. You probably feel confident that these restorations will work for a while. After all, implants have a staggering 95% success rate! Even so, you ask your dentist how to make your odds better. Their response? “Increase your vitamin D levels.” Now, you’re probably asking yourself why this nutrient would help. To learn the answer, read this summary on vitamin D’s implant benefits from your Ridgefield dentist.

What Does Vitamin D Do?

Roughly speaking, vitamin D does two essential things for you.

Firstly, it lets your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. That’s a big deal, as these two minerals help build bone and tooth enamel. As a result, increased levels of the vitamin lead to stronger bones and teeth well into old age.

Secondly, D vitamin regulates your immune system. In particular, it helps fight off infections with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It thus makes you less likely to suffer from harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microbes.

How Does That Affect My Implants?

Given the above, vitamin D strengthens oral health to resist things that threaten implants.

For starters, consider its effect on bones and teeth. Since the vitamin improves bone growth, it makes your jawbone more likely to fuse with your implant. Without it, the fusion process could become long and complicated.

The boost to your immune system also helps implants. When vitamin D strengthens your body against infections, you’re better protected against post-procedure gum disease and gingivitis. If the latter two developed too far, they could cause your implants to loosen (along with the rest of your teeth).

Tips on Getting Vitamin D

Fortunately, there are many ways to boost your vitamin D levels for implant success. Consider the practices below:

• Eat a vitamin-rich diet – Certain foods and drinks have vitamin D as an ingredient. These include fatty fish (salmon, canned tuna), fortified orange juice, fortified cereals, and beef liver.
• Tan yourself – If possible, get some sunlight for about 20 minutes daily. To avoid sunburn, avoid being outside in peak hours on hot days.
• Take a daily supplement – A regular supplement from a trusted brand could also work to improve vitamin D levels.

Of course, your implants are sure to last with proper dental care — daily teeth brushing, flossing, etc. Still, adding more vitamin D to your life will make their success even more certain!

About the Author

Dr. Dana C. Jones is a dentist based in Ridgefield, CT, having earned his DDS from the University of Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine. He attended the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies and the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies for post-graduate training. His specialties are preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, with the latter including dental implants. Dr. Jones currently practices at Ridgefield Perfect Smile Center and can be reached at his website or by phone at (203)-438-8919.