Regardless of how many natural teeth have gone missing, your dentist can rebuild your smile with dental implants. Many experts consider this treatment the ideal solution for tooth loss because it provides several unique advantages.
These restorations are the only ones that involve surgically placing titanium rods in your jawbone to function like roots. They’re generally much sturdier and more resilient than alternatives like dentures or dental bridges as a result. However, if you are vitamin D deficient, your implants may be more likely to fail. Continue reading to learn why!
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a naturally occurring, fat-soluble vitamin that can be found naturally in certain foods. It’s essential for strong teeth and bones because it helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus from the foods you eat. Both of these minerals are essential in growing and maintaining healthy bones and enamel.
However, that’s not the only role vitamin D plays in your body. It’s also key to modulating cell growth and regulating your immune system by supporting the function of white blood cells needed to fight off diseases like peri-implantitis, the number one leading cause of failure.
How Does Vitamin D Impact Dental Implants?
Dental implants have an incredibly high success rate of more than 90%, and their reliability comes from their unique placement in your jawbone. Once your dentist inserts the titanium rod (or rods, depending on your circumstances) into the foundation of your mouth, you must generate enough new bone growth to fuse with the metal in a process called osseointegration. Every time you bite down, your implants stimulate new bone growth in your jaw until it becomes a permanent part of your smile.
If your body doesn’t have enough vitamin D, your bones can become weak and frail. You might not complete this essential stage of your recovery successfully, which can damage or destabilize your prosthetic.
How Can I Increase My Vitamin D Levels?
Fortunately, a simple blood test can let you know whether you have sufficient vitamin D in your system. If not, it’s relatively easy to boost your levels. The easiest and most effective method might be taking a walk on a bright day! Your skin creates Vitamin D when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and a 20-minute stroll during peak daylight hours can give you your daily quota.
Otherwise, you can increase your vitamin D by eating oily fish like salmon, egg yolks, mushrooms, and fortified products like milk, cereal, and orange juice.
If you’re considering dental implants but are unsure whether your jawbone is strong enough to support them, the best way to find out is to consult your dentist!
About the Practice
At Bright Smiles Family Dentistry, people of all ages benefit from two dentists dedicated to helping them build and maintain a happy, healthy grin. Dr. Muddana and Dr. Chanana provide a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location, including dental implants. Their family-friendly practice is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to complete each step of the implant process in the office, including the surgery, to streamline your experience. Then, they’ll provide a lifelike restoration to rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality. You can request an appointment on the website or call (262) 563-9100.