Early Implant Failure and Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide public health problem and epidemiological studies today show that approximately 70% of the population is deficient. Sunlight exposure is a major source of vitamin D, with only few foods that naturally contain sufficient levels.  Lack of sunlight in the northern U.S. (especially during winter) and increasing number of desk-related/indoor jobs has resulted in further deficient state. 

Osteoporosis and menopausal women are most frequently related to vitamin D deficiency. Recent studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to an increase in dental implant failure along with other dental-related wound healing complications. 

Mangano, et al* published a study in 2019 of nearly 2000 implants, where early implant failures were reported in association with other known complications, in particular smoking and a history of generalized periodontal disease. In this study, the overall implant failure rate was 3.9 %. Heavy smoking (at least 15 cigarettes a day) was associated with an approximately 50% increase (6.1%) in early implant failure. History of generalized periodontal disease was associated with an approximately 50% (6.1%) dental implant failure rate. Severely deficient vitamin D levels (< 10 ng/mL serum level) showed approximately 300% (11.1%) implant failure rate. This and other studies have concluded that further research, adequate testing, and supplementation prior to dental implant surgery and maintenance may be required.

Future newsletter articles will review:
•    Vitamin D’s role in wound healing and other dental complications
•    Testing for Vitamin D levels
•    Optimizing and Supplementation of Vitamin D