Are you struggling with one or multiple missing pearly whites? One of the best ways to replace them is with dental implants. Once they’ve successfully bonded with your jawbone, you can be sure to enjoy the natural look and feel of your full smile again. However, the success of your treatment will heavily depend on osseointegration. One essential nutrient for this process is vitamin D. Read on to learn how this substance can help increase your dental implant success and the best ways to obtain it!
Is Vitamin D Important for Dental Implant Success?
Vitamin D is one of the nutrients responsible for promoting healthy bone tissue. Not only is it important for helping your body absorb calcium and phosphorus, but it can also reduce your chances of developing diseases—such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease. Having a deficiency in vitamin D can cause you to be unable to grow and maintain new bone tissue. Those who are over the age of 65, overweight, or spend too much time indoors can be at a higher risk of this condition.
Since dental implants are dependent on osseointegration, it’s important to have a sufficient amount of vitamin D. Your jawbone will need to fuse successfully with the titanium posts to provide a stable foundation for your restorations. With plenty of vitamin D, you can be sure to promote healthier bone and gum tissue as well as keep harmful bacteria at bay during your recovery process.
How Can I Get More Vitamin D?
Vitamin D deficiency is more common than you might think, so you’ll want to ensure you have enough to guarantee successful dental implants. To obtain more of this nutrient, try practicing the following methods:
- Have some fun in the sun: By spending more time outside, around 20 minutes every day, you can catch more vitamin D from sunlight. Make sure not to expose yourself for too long on sunny days or during peak hours, as this can potentially damage your skin. Wear sunscreen if necessary.
- Use a UV lamp: If you aren’t able to get sunlight, then you might be able to absorb vitamin D via UV lamps. Avoid having the device come into direct contact with your skin, as this can cause damage as well.
- Eat vitamin D-rich foods: Try consuming more dairy products and fatty fish, which contain ample amounts of vitamin D.
- Take supplements: If you aren’t able to get enough through your diet, you can always take supplements to help. Be sure to consult your physician if you take any other medications to avoid complications.
Make sure to get plenty of vitamin D to help ensure dental implant success. Once the metal posts have completely bonded with your jawbone, you’ll be able to enjoy your full smile again!
About the Author
Dr. James K. Kramer graduated from the Temple University School of Dentistry and has over three decades of experience. He’s also a member of several groups such as the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He offers a wide range of advanced and comprehensive treatments, including dental implants, checkups and cleanings, and periodontal therapy. If you’d like to know more about the relationship between dental implants and vitamin D, feel free to visit our website or call 302-436-5133.