If you’ve lost one or more teeth and are looking for replacements, you can’t do much better than dental implants. These prosthetics are the only ones that are surgically inserted into your jawbone to function as a standalone structure. They provide several unique advantages as a result. For example, they prevent the usual jawbone deterioration that usually happens with tooth loss to preserve your facial structure. They also come with fewer dietary restrictions and are easier to clean than other options like dentures or dental bridges.
Dental implants also have an incredibly high success rate of more than 95%, although it’s still possible for them to fail. You might be surprised to learn that increasing your vitamin D levels can decrease the risk of complications. Continue reading to find out how!
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a naturally occurring nutrient that helps your body regulate calcium and phosphate levels, as well as help you absorb calcium from the foods you eat. That means it’s a key ingredient that supports new bone growth to keep your bones and teeth strong.
How Does Vitamin D Support Dental Implants?
To better understand how vitamin D supports your dental implants, it’s important to know how they work. These replacement teeth consist of a titanium rod that’s surgically placed in your jawbone to hold one or more restorations like dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. They’re so sturdy because your jawbone fuses with the metal post in a process called osseointegration. This happens when your body grows new bone material around the implant to anchor it firmly in place.
Vitamin D supports your body’s calcium levels which is crucial for building and maintaining your bones and teeth. Without enough of it, your implant might not fuse correctly and is more likely to fail.
How Do I Increase My Vitamin D Levels?
If you’re not sure whether you’re getting enough of this essential ingredient, a simple blood test can let you know where you stand. Thankfully it’s not hard to get more of it if you need a boost. You can absorb it from certain foods like fatty fish and egg yolks as well as products that are fortified with it, like milk and certain cereals. You can also find supplements at many grocery stores and pharmacies.
However, the simplest way to increase your levels is with sunlight because your body produces more of it when exposed to ultraviolet rays. You can obtain everything you need by taking a walk or sitting outside for 15 to 20 minutes on a bright, clear day.
Now that you know more about how vitamin D can support your restoration, you can look forward to a successful implant procedure!
About the Author
Dr. Paul Samia takes pride in helping people of all ages build beautiful, healthy smiles. He earned his undergraduate degree at Northeastern State University, then pursued his dental education at the Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College. He continued with a Fellowship in Implantology through the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, making him a skilled expert when it comes to rebuilding grins. He can provide accurate, lifelike restorations intended to last. If you’re interested in dental implants and would like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (919) 779-2818.