Boost your DentistryIQ: Vitamin D deficiency and implant failure (Video)

July 27, 2020
How does a patient's vitamin D intake (or lack thereof) affect the success or failure of the person's implant? More research is being done on this topic. Michael Foley of Dentamedica elaborates.

What is the role of Vitamin D for an implant to successfully survive in a patient’s mouth? Michael Foley, president of Dentamedica, says that studies of Vitamin D as it relates to dentistry during the last 10 to 20 years are providing answers. Vitamin D has been well known for its benefits as an immune booster for a long time, but its benefits have only recently come to the attention of those in the dental profession.

During his discussion with Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, Foley says studies show that 40% to 70% of Americans are Vitamin D deficient. It is now being learned that these people are at greater risk of implant failure. What can dentists do to check whether their implant patients have enough vitamin D? Dentamedica provides a simple pin-prick blood test for dentists to use on patients. If someone is deficient, Dentamedica also offers supplements for patients to take before the implant procedure and for two weeks after surgery.

There are more Vitamin D and dentistry research results being shared all the time. To learn more, take a few minutes to watch this video discussion.

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected]

For more informative and up-to-the-minute video chats with key industry experts, visit DentistryIQ Videos.