Having gaps in your grin can impact your oral health as well as your overall well-being. Without roots in place to stimulate new jawbone growth, it begins to weaken, which can eventually lead to additional tooth loss. On top of that, you could develop a speech impediment like a lisp, which makes it much harder to communicate. You could become malnourished if you can’t thoroughly chew your food to be easily swallowed and digested.
Fortunately, your dentist can prevent all this with dental implants. Of all the restorations, they’re the only type that is embedded directly into your jawbone to keep it active and strong. Because they offer so many unique advantages, it’s natural to want to do everything in your power to keep them from failing. Although it may come as a surprise, one easy way to support your dental implants is with vitamin D.
Keep reading to learn more about how this essential nutrient is crucial for ensuring the success of dental implants!
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a naturally occurring nutrient that plays a key role in your body’s ability to grow and maintain your bones. It allows your body to efficiently absorb calcium and phosphorus from the foods you eat. Those who have a deficiency could develop stiff or brittle bones, along with more serious medical conditions like multiple sclerosis, heart disease, or rheumatoid arthritis.
How Does Vitamin D Support Dental Implants?
Dental implants are often considered more resilient than alternatives like dentures or dental bridges because they involve placing a titanium rod into your jaw as an anchor. After your dentist surgically inserts this pole, your body takes 3 to 9 months to complete a process known as osseointegration. This step is crucial for the success of your implant and requires that your jawbone produces enough bone growth to fuse with it. Having enough vitamin D is essential in completing this stage of healing.
How Can I Get More Vitamin D?
A simple blood test can reveal whether you’re getting sufficient levels of vitamin D. If it turns out that you’re deficient, don’t lose hope! Getting more of it usually isn’t too difficult because it can be found in easily accessed foods like oily fish, egg yolks, mushrooms, and some fortified dairy products like milk and yogurt. If that doesn’t suit you, it’s also available as a supplement at many grocery stores and pharmacies.
However, the easiest and most efficient way to increase your levels is to spend some time outdoors. When your skin is exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, it makes vitamin D out of cholesterol. A brief 15-20-minute walk outside during peak hours on a clear day can give you all the vitamin D you need.
If you’re planning on getting dental implants, you can start building up your vitamin D now to help ensure that they’re successful down the road!
About the Practice
Beverly Farms Dental has been helping families in the Beverly area improve their dental health for decades. People of all ages benefit from their team of dentists who take the time to get to know you and your unique oral care needs. Then, they use state-of-the-art technology to enhance your comfort while increasing the accuracy of treatment results. They are experienced in handling everything from basic preventative care to more complex procedures, like dental implants. If you’ve suffered tooth loss and need a consultation, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (978) 927-3515.