What Can Vitamin D Do for My Dental Implants?

If you have lost one or more teeth, dental implants may be the best way to functionally and beautifully restore your smile. Dental implants consist of a lifelike dental crown attached above the gumline, a titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone, and an abutment piece connecting them together. Dental implants can last for up to thirty-five years or even a lifetime with proper care, and getting plenty of vitamin D after receiving them can help the patient’s recovery go more smoothly while helping them last longer. Here’s why vitamin D is so important for successful dental implants.

How Can Vitamin D Help Dental Implants?

Vitamin D is crucial for bone health, and getting enough of it reduces a person’s likelihood of developing illnesses like multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. This is because vitamin D allows the body to absorb calcium and phosphorous, which are essential minerals for bone growth.

By consuming enough vitamin D before and after dental implant surgery, you can help your body absorb the calcium and phosphorus it needs to create a durable bond between your implants and your jawbone. This sets the stage for a lifetime with healthy implants as the presence of vitamin D in a patient’s system also largely determines how well dental implants can integrate with the jawbone after they are surgically placed. If the implants do not fuse with the jaw properly, they are much more likely to fail during regular use.

How Can I Get Enough Vitamin D?

One great way to help your body get more vitamin D is to enjoy twenty minutes of unprotected sun exposure or using a UV lamp every day. Many people use dietary supplements such as fish oil to bolster their vitamin D intakes, but consult with a doctor before doing so if you take any other medications. A few foods that contain vitamin D include:

• Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, trout, and mackerel
• Milk
• Beef liver
• Egg yolks
• Cheese
• Mushrooms

Dental implants are the ideal form of tooth replacement. By taking care to get enough vitamin D before and after dental implant surgery, you can set your restored smile up for a lifetime of beauty.

About the Author

Dr. Marianna Gaitsgory earned her dental degree at the Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University and has completed many hours of training in several dental specialties and procedures. Her office in Framingham, MA offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to dental implant services. To learn more about how to ensure your dental implants are successful, contact her office online or dial (508) 875-0900.