Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace lost teeth because of their many unique benefits. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they include a titanium rod that’s surgically inserted into your jawbone for added strength and stability.
Although these restorations are incredibly resilient, they’re not invincible and can fail under the right circumstances. Fortunately, you can contribute to their success by improving your vitamin D levels. Continue reading to learn more about how this ingredient can support your recently upgraded grin!
What is Vitamin D?
Also sometimes referred to as calciferol, vitamin D is a fat-soluble compound that’s an essential component of healthy teeth and bones. It helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus from the foods you eat to keep them strong.
Unfortunately, patients who are vitamin D deficient can experience symptoms like bone pain, muscle weakness, and an increased risk of fractures and breaks. In severe cases, a shortage can cause rickets in children or contribute to osteoporosis in adults.
How Does Vitamin D Support Dental Implants?
Before you can proceed with dental implants, you must consult your provider to ensure that you’re a good candidate. At your initial appointment, your dentist will update your medical history to ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo the procedure and examine your mouth to ensure no pre-existing problems, like cavities or gum disease, interfere.
They will also take images and measure your jawbone density to verify whether it’s thick enough to support your restoration. This is because once the titanium pole is placed, your jaw must produce enough new bone growth to completely envelop and fuse with the metal over the next three to six months in a process called osseointegration.
Once this stage of recovery is complete, your new tooth is essentially a permanent part of your smile. Unfortunately, if you don’t have enough vitamin D, your body can’t heal effectively, and you’re more likely to experience implant failure at this stage.
How Can I Boost My Vitamin D Levels?
Thankfully, it’s relatively easy to get more vitamin D. You can find it in different foods, like fatty fish, egg yolks, mushrooms, or in cereal, milk, or orange juice that have been fortified. That said, the simplest way to get all the vitamin D you need is by taking a 15- to 20-minute walk on a bright day during peak sunlight hours. When the sun’s ultraviolet rays strike your skin, it triggers the production of this essential ingredient to boost your immunity and strengthen your bones.
If you’re unsure whether you have sufficient vitamin D for a successful implant procedure, scheduling a consultation with your dentist is the best way to find out!
About the Practice
At LS Smiles, you and your family benefit from two dentists with 40 years of combined experience helping people of all ages build and maintain their healthiest, most beautiful smiles. Dr. Stein and Dr. McNew collaborate to provide a complete menu of leading-edge services to meet all your needs, including replacing missing teeth. They partner with the best local oral surgeons to ensure accurate implant placement, then provide resilient restorations customized to match your grin for seamless results. If you want to rebuild your smile, you can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 771-2213.