Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of benefits they you can’t achieve with dentures or dental bridges. One of the most notable ones is their astonishing success rate of over 95%! To do this, it’s important that you follow your aftercare instructions and get all of the vitamins and minerals you need. Vitamin D plays an important role in the success of dental implants. Continue reading to learn why it is so crucial.
Why Is Vitamin D Needed for Dental Implants?
Vitamin D is necessary to maintain healthy bones and teeth. This vitamin helps your body regulate the amount of phosphate and calcium it has. These two materials are required for excellent oral health. Without vitamin D, you would develop a severe calcium deficiency, leading you to experience various problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. When you have these issues, it is much likely that you will support healthy dental implants. Calcium deficiency doesn’t just affect your smile. It has also been associated with other serious issues, including depression, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and cancer.
How Do You Get Vitamin D?
The most effective way to get vitamin D is by absorbing it from the sun. By spending enough time outside, you can see huge changes in the amount of vitamin D and calcium your body has. The amount of time required for a sufficient amount of vitamin D absorption varies from person to person. This is due to the wide range of skin tones that absorb the sun’s rays at different paces. People who have darker skin tones have more melanin, which protects the body from overexposure. Because of this, people with darker complexions need anywhere for 30 minutes to several hours more than Caucasians, who only need about 10 to 30 minutes a few times a week.
How Else Can You Get Vitamin D?
Sunlight is the best way for your body to absorb vitamin D, but there are also some foods that provide it.
- Fatty fish and seafood
- Fortified cow’s milk
- Egg yolks
- Portabella mushrooms
If you have concerns about your vitamin D levels, you can always get them checked through your primary care provider. If they are low, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter supplement or give you a prescription.
Getting the nutrients that you need is essential for the health of your dental implants and the rest of your body. By spending some time in the sun and enjoying foods rich in vitamin D, you can set your dental implants up for success.
About the Author
Dr. Bryan Villescas earned his dental doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Since then, he has acquired 400 hours of surgical training at the Advanced Dental Implant Institute in San Juan, Puerto Rico. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation at his office in Port Charlotte, visit his website or call (941) 627-9900.