By Lucy Wyndham
If you have just lost one or more teeth, you may be considering dental implants as a solution. Gaps in teeth can affect your bite, lead to the movement of adjoining teeth, and even cause pain and discomfort so many patients opt for implant surgery for a lasting solution to their problem. Because dental implants are considered ‘aesthetic surgery’, they are generally not covered by average health insurance plans in Lebanon, and they can be costly. Sometimes, insufficient bone may be present, occasionally leading to a need for bone implantation or even a sinus floor elevation, which also increases the cost.
When you opt for dental implants, it is vital to do all you can to increase your chances of success. One way to do so, research indicates, is by ensuring you have sufficient Vitamin D levels.
How Can Vitamin D Help?
If you are above the age of 65, then you are probably well aware of the importance role vitamin supplements can play in fostering bone and joint health. In general, as we age our bones and joints can suffer, making specific steps necessary, including losing weight, exercising regularly, and spending time in the sun or taking Vitamin D, which is crucial for the health of bones and which lowers the chances of developing diseases like multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. New research also links low Vitamin D levels with a risk of cognitive decline and mental impairment.
Vitamin D can play an important role in ensuring dental implants last long-term because to a great extent, its presence or absence determines how successfully implants integrate into bone. Vitamin D can also promote gum health, helping to produce compounds which reduce bacteria levels in the mouth. Unless gums are healthy, implants don’t stand a chance of lasting in the long term, so regular cleaning and gum care are vital.
How to Obtain More Vitamin D?
Try to catch the sun’s rays for around 20 minutes daily, avoiding being outside in peak hours on very sunny days. You might also consider the use of a UV lamp, which will enable your body to absorb more Vitamin D. Supplements can also help; if you taking any other medication, make sure to consult your doctor and obtain his/her approval. There are online tests you can order which will let you know if your Vitamin D levels are low, so this is probably a great place to start.
If you are considering having a dental implant placed, consult your dentist about how Vitamin D (obtained through the sun’s rays or through supplementation) can help the likelihood of long-term success. By doing so, you will also enjoy a host of additional benefits, including keeping heart disease and other conditions at bay. Finally, try to enjoy a few minutes under the sun every day, ensuring you stay indoors during peak hours to avoid the risk of skin cancer or sunburn.