You have decided that you want to replace your lost teeth with dental implants. This advanced procedure is one that takes a long time to complete, and you want to make sure your investment pays off. How can you make sure your dental implants are successful? You might not have thought about Vitamin D to help with dental implants, but it just might save the day!
Keep reading to learn more about this vitamin, why it is important, and how you can prepare for your implants by getting enough of it.
Why Vitamin D Matters
Did you know that about 75 percent of American adults and teens do not have enough Vitamin D? At first glance, this may not seem like a significant problem; however, many studies have linked this deficiency to weak, soft bones in children and thinning bones in the elderly, among other medical problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
How Vitamin D Can Help with Dental Implants
To be successful, the dental implant post must integrate fully with the jawbone. In this process, new growth occurs and surrounds the post, just like a natural tooth root. Clearly, bone health and strength matter even more in this context, and Vitamin D plays an essential role in bolstering the jawbone for implant placement and for holding the implants in position year after year. In other words, if you are Vitamin D deficient, then you could be putting the success of your implants at risk.
How to Get Enough Vitamin D
The easiest, most cost-effective way to make sure your body has enough Vitamin D is to spend at least 20 minutes in the sun every day. This does not mean that you should be outside in the summer during the hottest, brightest part of the day—try to be smart and time your outing when you can be in the sunlight without putting your body at risk of heat exhaustion. If you are out in the sun during peak times in summertime, always be sure to wear sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned and to stay hydrated.
Some cannot spend much time outside for a variety of reasons, but there are plenty of other sources you can use to obtain the right level of Vitamin D. Supplements can be beneficial as well as a safe UV light. Before taking or starting anything, you must talk with your primary care physician to be sure that your supplements will not react negatively with your current medication.
If you want your dental implants to work out and last for many years, it is worth taking the time and effort to make sure your body is getting enough Vitamin D. Before you undergo this procedure, check out your Vitamin D levels and move forward with more confidence!
About the Practice
Pioneer Greens Dentistry has a husband-and-wife dental team who are proud to offer dental implants as one of their main services. Dr. Chris Haag and Dr. Claire Haag have each been practicing for nearly 30 years and enjoy treating patients of all ages. If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, you can schedule an appointment at our Lincoln office by reaching out to us online or calling 402-483-7502.