Dental implants have an incredibly high success rate, but seeing how these prosthetics could very well be part of your smile for a lifetime, it doesn’t hurt to further promote their success. Research shows that soaking up the sun for just 20 minutes a day can significantly improve the long-term sustainability of dental implants.
If you’re wondering, “How does that work?” rest assured, it’s based on sound science. After all, it’s all about vitamin D!
Vitamin D Strengthens the Jawbone for Osseointegration
One of the key characteristics of vitamin D is its ability to strengthen bones. In addition to improving calcium absorption (which is an essential building block for bone growth), vitamin D fosters mineralization. In other words, this vitamin teams up with calcium to make sure your bones are hard, dense, and durable. As you age, these qualities become increasingly important!
Since dental implants need to fuse with the jawbone in order to stay fixed in place (a process known as osseointegration), it’s vital for the bone to be structurally solid.
Gums Thrive with Vitamin D
Another important foundation for dental implants is healthy gum tissue. If your jawbone is like an anchor that keeps your implants in place, then gums are like glue – they’ll keep a firm, secure hold on your implants. This is why a case of gum disease can be devastating and is strongly associated with dental implant failure.
This is where good vitamin D levels come into play. It helps reduce chronic inflammation, one of the major symptoms of gum disease. While good oral hygiene practices are ultimately the best way to avoid this harmful condition, vitamin D can further reduce your risk and slow its progress.
Ways to Increase Your Vitamin D Intake
So, how can you make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D? There are several ways to increase your intake, but the very first thing you should do is consult with your doctor. It’s always best to talk to them before dramatically changing your diet or trying new supplements. With that disclaimer in mind, here’s how you can increase your intake:
- Sit in direct sunlight for 20 minutes a day – just be careful not to do so when UVs are high.
- Eat more fatty fish, egg yolks, mushrooms, and fortified dairy products.
- Take a daily or periodic supplement.
A lot of factors go into the success of a dental implant treatment. Making sure your bones and gums are healthy is just one way to promote their sustainability, so be sure to talk to your dentist and general doctor about the best way to prepare your smile for treatment!
About the Author
Dr. Tristan J. Parry is a highly experienced dentist in Summerfield. He’s made several achievements over the years, including becoming one of the 7% of dentists in the US to be a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry. As a diligent care provider, he strives to set his patients up for treatment success. If increasing your vitamin D intake would improve the dental implant process for you, Dr. Parry will be the first to let you know! To contact his office for a consultation, call 336-728-6153.