500,000 Americans are choosing to replace their missing teeth with dental implants every year. A dental implant is the most successful solution for tooth loss. With over a 95% success rate, they can last for decades. However, new research has found that low vitamin D can increase your risk of dental implant failure. The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that nearly 42% of adults are vitamin D deficient. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D to support your new smile.
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant is a revolutionary treatment for tooth loss because it replaces both the root and the crown, unlike any other method. A titanium post is surgically placed into the jaw to serve as a new tooth root, keeping your bone strong and healthy. Your bone must fuse with the implant through a process called osseointegration for your procedure to be successful. Once your jaw has healed, an abutment is placed on the post to connect your customized restoration that will blend in with your real teeth.
Vitamin D and Dental Implant Success
Good oral and overall wellness are important factors when getting dental implants. Low vitamin D can affect your dental health and general well-being negatively. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to weak bones, healing complications, and an increased risk of infections.
Boosting your vitamin D intake can keep your mouth and body healthy to promote the long-term success of your smile. Vitamin D offers several benefits for dental implant patients, including:
- Calcium Absorption: Calcium is the building block for strong teeth and bones. However, your body can’t use calcium correctly if it doesn’t have enough vitamin D. The vitamin allows your body to absorb calcium to strengthen your bones and enamel. This will ensure your jaw is healthy to support your implant post.
- Immune Support: If you’re deficient in vitamin D, you can experience a slow immune response. Therefore, you can be at risk of delayed healing and experience more infections that are difficult to treat, including peri-implantitis, which is a leading cause of dental implant failure. Vitamin D will keep your immune system strong to ward off infections and promote quick healing.
Many foods contain vitamin D, but the sun is the best source. Spend at least 20 minutes a few times a week outside soaking up the sunshine to keep your mouth healthy.
About Dr. Stefanie Walker
Dr. Walker achieved her dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and has completed advanced training in various specialties, including dental implants, prosthodontics, and general dentistry. She is affiliated with many professional organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Colorado Dental Association. Request an appointment through her website or call her office at (720) 961-2251.