Dental implants are the best way to replace lost teeth because they look, feel, and function just like the real thing and they can last for a lifetime if they receive excellent care. While you may know that excellent oral hygiene is an essential part of ensuring a successful recovery after receiving dental implants, you may not be aware of how vitamin D plays an important role in the healing process. Here’s a brief guide to why vitamin D is so beneficial and how you can get more of it.
Why Is Vitamin D So Important for Dental Implants?
If you’re a senior, you’re probably quite aware of how vitamin supplements can play a key role in maintaining the health of your bones and joints, and vitamin D is especially important when your jawbone is healing after dental implant surgery. Vitamin D helps the bones absorb crucial minerals like calcium, and it also promotes gum health by reducing the presence of bacteria in the mouth. The health of the jawbone and gums are absolutely essential to the success of your dental implants, so make sure you’re getting enough of this nutrient.
How Can I Get More Vitamin D?
Luckily, vitamin D is found in many foods, but you can help your body produce some of it naturally with about twenty minutes of unprotected sun exposure. If you work at night or aren’t outside much, you can also help your body produce vitamin D by using a UV lamp.
A few foods and beverages that contain vitamin D include:
- Seafood such as trout, tuna, salmon, herring, sardines, flounder, and tilapia
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Milk alternatives derived from almonds, rice, or soy
- Mushrooms
- Fortified orange juice
Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions is the best way to help your healing process go smoothly after receiving dental implants. By giving your new implants the proper care and the right nutrition, you can set them up to stay beautiful and functional for decades.
About the Practice
Devonshire Dental of Boston offers the most outstanding oral healthcare in town. Led by Drs. Dean Levy, Christa Rizkallah, Annie Amsalem, and Christine Melito, the staff ensures that each patient receives exemplary service and courteous treatment in a warm and welcoming office environment. Services offered include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as implant services. To learn more about proper implant care, contact the practice on the web or dial (617) 350-7474.