There are many steps a dentist will take during the dental implant process to ensure successful results. Their permanency makes them a more complex form of treatment as opposed to dental bridges and dentures, so making sure you follow all post-procedural guidelines is essential. But what if there was something else you could do to boost your new smile’s success? Read on to find out why your dentist recommends plenty of vitamin D to ensure a smoother recovery and longer-lasting results.
What is the Connection Between Dental Implants and Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a valuable supplement your body needs to encourage healthy bones and joints. Unfortunately, as you age, additional health problems may arise that can make obtaining enough vitamin D more difficult (i.e., spending time outside, exercising regularly, and eating right).
When it comes to dental implants, though, you may wonder about the connection to vitamin D. Once your implants are surgically placed, osseointegration must occur, which is when your implant posts fuse with your jawbone. This crucial step is why vitamin D is important.
Having enough of it in your body will allow it to absorb sufficient amounts of calcium and phosphorus that come from the food you eat. As a result, new bone growth occurs. This helps with the integration process, ensuring that your implants and jawbone work together to create a solid foundation for your new teeth.
Vitamin D is also considered an anti-inflammatory, so it is essential in minimizing harmful bacteria inside your mouth so that gum disease is less likely to occur. This is equally important because peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease, can be detrimental to the short- and long-term success of your dental implants.
What is the Best Way to Get More Vitamin D?
There are actually many different ways you can incorporate more vitamin D into your daily routine.
While recovering from dental implant surgery, you can:
- Spend time outside in the sun reading a book or enjoying the breeze
- Eat plenty of fatty fish, fortified dairy, and egg yolks
- Take a vitamin D supplement as long as your dentist approves
- Go for a walk (once you’re able)
If you want to give your new smile the best chance for success, don’t discount the benefits of vitamin D. Incorporating it into your daily routine through diet, exercise, or supplements will have you enjoying a longer-lasting, healthier smile.
About the Author
Dr. Udoka Holinbeck serves the residents of Delafield and its surrounding communities as an expert holistic dentist who cares about patients’ overall health and well-being. Providing dental implants to those suffering from tooth loss, she and her team make every effort to ensure successful placement and restoration before providing helpful tips and guidelines for a smooth recovery, one of which is the inclusion of vitamin D. If you want to make sure your dental implants have the best chance of long-term success, visit our website or call (262) 337-9745.