VITAMIN D: AN ALLY OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

Abstract

Implantology has evolved to rehabilitate patients with tooth loss, restoring function and quality of life. The success of implants depends on osseointegration, a complex process of direct union between the implant and the surrounding bone, influenced by several factors, including implant characteristics, surgical procedure, and the patient's habits and diet. Vitamin D has gained prominence due to its influence on this process. Vitamin D, a fat-soluble hormone, is crucial for bone metabolism, regulating calcium and phosphorus, and has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that impact osseointegration and soft tissue healing. Its active form, calcitriol, promotes intestinal absorption and renal reabsorption of calcium and phosphorus, and stimulates the differentiation of osteoblasts, essential for bone mineralization. Vitamin D deficiency (hypovitaminosis D), a growing global problem, negatively affects osseointegration, compromising bone formation and increasing the risk of implant failure. Studies indicate an association between low vitamin D levels and early failures, with implant loss rates up to four times higher in patients with hypovitaminosis D, showing that deficiency can also increase the risk of peri-implantitis. The Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) defines 25(OH)D sufficiency as between 30 and 100 ng/mL. Supplementation is a promising strategy to optimize osseointegration, especially in deficient patients, and can accelerate fracture healing and improve bone density around the implant. Daily doses of 2000 IU of vitamin D3 are generally effective, but higher doses (4000 IU) may be necessary in cases of severe deficiency. Vitamin D is essential for the success of implantology, and its adequate management can optimize clinical results and patients' quality of life. Therefore, the article reviews the literature on the importance of vitamin D in the osseointegration of dental implants, its mechanisms of influence on bone repair and the clinical implications of its deficiency.