Many experts view dental implants as the ideal method for replacing lost teeth because they’re the only restorations that are directly embedded into your jawbone for additional support. They are also usually incredibly reliable and boast a success rate of more than 95%.
However, caring for yourself properly after your procedure is imperative to an effective and complication-free recovery. It’s essential that you follow your dentist’s post-op instructions in detail so that your mouth can heal, but that’s not all you can do. Did you know that increasing your vitamin D levels can also reinforce your dental implants? Keep reading to learn how!
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a naturally occurring fat-soluble vitamin essential for strong bones. It also builds healthy muscles and nerve functionality and boosts the immune system. It does this by promoting calcium and phosphate absorption from the foods you eat to enable normal bone mineralization. Your skeleton can become thinner, brittle, or misshapen if you don’t have sufficient levels.
How Does Vitamin D Help Dental Implants?
Dental implants are unique because they’re the only restoration that involves placing a titanium rod into your jaw. This metal is used because it fuses with bone material for added resilience and stability in a process called osseointegration. As new bone material is generated, it gradually merges with the metal pole over a few months.
Without adequate vitamin D, your body might struggle to complete this essential step because it can’t produce enough new bone growth. Your immune system could also suffer, leaving you more vulnerable to gum disease, which can negatively impact your implant.
How Can I Increase My Vitamin D?
If you’re unsure whether you’re getting sufficient vitamin D, a simple blood test with your dentist or doctor will let you know. For those who are deficient, don’t worry! Raising your levels is relatively simple. This ingredient is naturally found in foods like fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, mushrooms, egg yolks, and fortified products like dairy and cereal. It’s also available as a supplement at many grocery stores and pharmacies.
However, the simplest way to get your daily value’s worth is to take a walk outside. When your skin is exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, it triggers the synthesis of this essential ingredient. Spending 15 to 20 minutes outside during peak hours on a bright day can give you all the vitamin D you need.
As you can see, it’s easy to raise your vitamin D levels to support your dental implants!
About the Author
Dr. Ashley Civetti enjoys helping people build happy, healthy smiles that last. She earned her DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry at Houston and has continued her education at the Kois Center to stay on top of the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques. Her practice combines a friendly, personalized approach with state-of-the-art equipment to offer 5-star patient service. Plus, she partners with the best specialists for dental implant placement, so you can trust that you’re in good hands. If you’re interested in dental implants, you can request a consultation on the website or call (561) 798-4200.