When you have dental implants placed, you’ll naturally want to do whatever you can to make sure that your mouth heals as quickly as possible without any complications. There are several variables that can impact your chances for a successful dental implant treatment; one particularly vital example is your vitamin D levels. Here’s a quick look at why vitamin D can make all the difference for dental implant treatments – as well as what you can do to obtain more of this important nutrient.
How Can Vitamin D Help Dental Implants Succeed?
Vitamin D is what lets your body absorb calcium and phosphorus from the foods you eat. Without vitamin D, your body wouldn’t be able to make use of these minerals. This is an important point because calcium and phosphorus both play a role in the growth of new bone tissue.
What does this have to do with dental implants? Simply put, if the treatment is going to succeed, the implant posts need to fuse with the bone via a process known as osseointegration. For this to happen, new bone needs to be created. But if you aren’t getting enough vitamin D – and thus aren’t absorbing enough calcium and phosphorus – the osseointegration process might take longer or may even fail entirely.
How Can You Get More Vitamin D?
Maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels can be as easy as simply spending more time outside. About 20 minutes of sun exposure every day is typically enough to get plenty of vitamin D. Generally speaking, the best time to get some sunlight is around midday when the sun is at its highest point.
You can also try eating more foods that contain vitamin D. This includes various types of fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms. Also, certain foods and drinks – such as oatmeal and cow’s milk – are sometimes fortified with vitamin D, so be sure to double-check the labels on whatever you buy at the grocery store.
If you’re found to be deficient in vitamin D, it may be helpful to take supplements. Before you start doing so, however, you should speak to your regular physician; this is especially the case if you’re already taking some form of medication.
Dental implants have all sorts of benefits that can make them an excellent investment for your smile. As such, it’s worth taking any steps you can to maximize their chances of success. If you’re worried about your vitamin D levels or anything else that could affect the dental implant process, let your dentist know.
About the Author
Dr. Rashpal Deol earned multiple dental degrees in India, including a Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontics and Oral Medicine. He currently holds membership with multiple organizations such as the California Dental Association and SPEAR Education. He can offer his patients start-to-finish dental implant treatments at Oak Ridge Dental in San Ramon. If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Deol, visit his website or call (925) 735-6190.
