Tooth Care

There is a great deal of planning and preparation that goes into a successful implant and tooth shaped crown. One facet of successful implants is the health of the patient. Supplements are a great way to help one's body’s natural health and healing. One important vitamin that can affect the body’s healing after implant placement is vitamin D. Studies have shown that people deficient in vitamin D can have a higher failure rate for their dental implants in the first few months, double that of people who have normal blood levels of vitamin D.

Those most commonly suffering from vitamin D deficiency are people who are malnourished, obese, have pigmented skin, don't get enough sun exposure, wear sunscreen often (hello. its Arizona!), were born prematurely or the elderly. In fact, it is thought that up to 80% of seniors are deficient in vitamin D. The effects can be weak bone, poor bone healing, a weaker immune system, and difficulty managing diabetes. All these factors will have a negative effect on recovery and healing from a dental surgery such as dental implant placement.

One study by Fretwurst et al took 2 healthy men who had implants that failed after a short time and showed that with vitamin D supplements, they had new dental implants placed successfully 4 to 6 months later. In a retrospective study of over 800 people, it was shown that the percent of dental implant failures doubled with low vitamin D levels. Or in a more positive perspective, healthy vitamin D levels doubles the success of dental implants over time over low vitamin D blood levels.

What does vitamin D do that helps the dental implant succeed? The authors of the first study thought that vitamin D helps to reduce inflammation and is important to the bodies antibacterial response. Both of these natural and beneficial processes will support the body as it heals from dental implant surgery

Dental implant surgery and osseointegration (your bone attaching to the dental implant and securing it) is a complex phenomenon that relies on many factors. This includes the patient’s health, the surgical technique and the dental implant itself. Vitamin D is an essential supplement that aids our bodies in many ways. If you're considering replacing missing teeth with a dental implant, getting your body healthy through periodontal (gum) cleanings, immune system support, and strengthening bone health are key factors to the success of a dental implant. Vitamin D can contribute naturally to bone health and healing.

If you have a broken or infected tooth you know needs to be removed and want to consider a dental implant to replace your tooth or if you are currently missing teeth and want to explore your options for tooth replacement with a dental implant, call for an evaluation by Dr. Jennifer Ebner in our Phoenix, Arizona dental office. (602)612-6120

Fretwurst et al. Vitamin D deficiency in early implant failure: two case reports. Int J Implant Dent. 2016 Dec; 2: 24.

Francesco Mangano, Carmen Mortellaro, Natale Mangano, Carlo Mangano. Is Low Serum Vitamin D Associated with Early Dental Implant Failure? A Retrospective Evaluation on 1625 Implants Placed in 822 Patients. Mediators of Inflammation, vol. 2016, 7 pages, 2016.