The Role of Vitamin D Levels in Early Dental Implant Failure.

Dental implants are being utilized by numerous dentists to replace missing teeth by restoring the function of teeth without compromising the aesthetics. An implant is attached to the bone through the process of osseointegration, which is the connection between bone and artificial implant. For a dental implant to be successful long-term stable osseointegration is required. Early dental implant failure (EDIF) usually occurs within the first four months of implant placement. Osseointegration is dependent on the serum levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a secosteroid hormone synthesized by skin cells under the influence of UV radiation or is ingested through a diet or supplemental medication. Low levels of vitamin D negatively affect bone formation thus, affecting the longevity of implant. Vitamin D facilitates bone metabolism, alveolar bone resorption thus, preventing tooth loss. The relationship between bone formation and vitamin D levels have been observed in animal models. According to numerous studies conducted on rodents, vitamin D has been found to increase bone formation around implants. Vitamin D serum levels can be influenced by a variety of factors such as malnutrition, insufficient sun exposure, pigmented skin, obesity and advanced age. As vitamin D levels decrease with increasing age, osteoporosis and periodontal diseases are often diagnosed within the elderly population. Vitamin D is involved in the wound healing process and involves numerous different cells and calcium signaling pathways. This review paper will investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and its impact on wound healing and EDIF.