Researchers looked at five studies to understand whether vitamin D levels affect the health of dental implants, specifically a condition called peri-implantitis (an infection around the implant). They found that both too little and too much vitamin D might cause problems. Low vitamin D was linked to more implant infections and bone loss around the implant, while very high levels were also associated with bone loss. The studies suggest that having the right amount of vitamin D might help implants last longer and stay healthier, but scientists need more research with better methods to be completely sure.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether the amount of vitamin D in your body affects the chances of developing an infection or problems around dental implants
  • Who participated: Five different research studies were reviewed. The exact number of people studied wasn’t specified in the summary, but the studies looked at patients who had received dental implants
  • Key finding: Both too little vitamin D and too much vitamin D appear to be linked with implant problems. Low vitamin D was connected to more infections and bone loss around implants, while very high levels also showed bone loss. Normal vitamin D levels seemed to work best
  • What it means for you: If you have or are planning to get dental implants, maintaining healthy vitamin D levels may help your implants last longer. However, this doesn’t mean taking large amounts of vitamin D—balance is important. Talk to your doctor about your vitamin D levels before and after implant surgery

The Research Details

This was a systematic review, which means researchers searched through published studies to find all the research about vitamin D and dental implants. They found five studies that met their quality standards and reviewed them together. Instead of combining all the data into one big analysis (which they couldn’t do because the studies were too different from each other), they summarized what each study found.

The researchers used a special checklist called the Joanna Briggs Institute tool to check how well each study was done. This checklist looks at things like whether the study was designed properly, if the right people were studied, and if the results were measured accurately. Most of the five studies they reviewed were found to be moderately to highly reliable.

Because the studies used different methods and measured vitamin D in different ways, the researchers couldn’t combine all the numbers together to get one overall answer. This is actually important information—it tells us that we need better, more consistent research in the future.

This research approach is important because dental implants are expensive and important for many people’s quality of life. If vitamin D really does affect how well implants work, then doctors could give patients simple advice about vitamin D levels before and after implant surgery. A systematic review is a good way to look at all the current evidence before spending money on large new studies. It helps identify what we know and what we still need to figure out

The studies included in this review were rated as having moderate to high quality, which is good. However, the fact that the studies were very different from each other (different methods, different ways of measuring vitamin D, different patient groups) means we can’t be completely confident in the overall conclusions. The researchers were honest about this limitation, which shows they’re being careful about not overstating their findings. This is a strength of the review—they didn’t force the data together when it didn’t fit

What the Results Show

The research found that vitamin D levels appear to influence whether dental implants stay healthy. The relationship seems to work like a ‘Goldilocks’ situation—too little is bad, too much is bad, and just right is best.

When people had low vitamin D levels, they had a higher risk of developing peri-implantitis (an infection around the implant) and experienced more bone loss around the implant site. This makes sense because vitamin D helps your immune system fight infections and helps your body use calcium to keep bones strong.

Interestingly, the studies also found that having very high vitamin D levels was linked with greater bone loss around implants and reduced implant survival. This suggests that more vitamin D isn’t always better—your body needs it in the right amount.

Several studies showed that people who took vitamin D supplements had better implant success rates compared to those who didn’t, suggesting that correcting low vitamin D might help implants work better.

The research also looked at marginal bone loss, which is the amount of bone that disappears around the implant over time. Both low vitamin D and very high vitamin D were associated with more bone loss. This is important because bone loss around an implant can eventually lead to implant failure. The studies suggested that maintaining normal vitamin D levels might help preserve the bone around your implant

This review adds to what we already know about vitamin D’s importance for bone health. We’ve known for years that vitamin D is crucial for strong bones and a healthy immune system. This research suggests that these benefits extend to keeping dental implants healthy. However, the findings about very high vitamin D levels causing problems are newer and less well-studied than the findings about low vitamin D

The biggest limitation is that the five studies used different methods and measured vitamin D in different ways, making it hard to compare them directly. Some studies looked backward at patient records (less reliable) while others followed patients forward over time (more reliable). The studies also had different numbers of patients and looked at different groups of people. The review didn’t specify exactly how many people were studied in total. Because of these differences, the researchers couldn’t combine all the data into one overall analysis, which would have given a stronger answer

The Bottom Line

If you have dental implants or are planning to get them, ask your doctor to check your vitamin D levels. Aim for normal vitamin D levels (typically 30-100 ng/mL, though your doctor can tell you the right range). If your levels are low, vitamin D supplementation may help your implants stay healthy. Don’t take extra vitamin D supplements beyond what’s recommended without talking to your doctor first, since very high levels also appear problematic. Confidence level: Moderate—the evidence suggests this is helpful, but more research is needed

This matters most for people who have dental implants or are considering getting them. It’s especially important if you have risk factors for low vitamin D, such as limited sun exposure, dark skin in sunny climates, or digestive problems that affect nutrient absorption. People with bone health concerns should also pay attention. This information is less relevant for people with natural teeth, though vitamin D is still important for overall health

If you have low vitamin D and start supplementing, it typically takes several weeks to months to bring levels back to normal. Once your vitamin D levels are healthy, you might expect to see improvements in implant stability and bone health over several months to a year. This isn’t a quick fix—it’s about supporting your body’s natural healing and maintenance processes

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your vitamin D supplementation (dose and frequency) and any implant-related symptoms or concerns. Record your vitamin D blood test results when you get them checked, along with the date. Note any changes in implant comfort, swelling, or other symptoms
  • Set a daily reminder to take your vitamin D supplement if your doctor recommends it. Schedule regular vitamin D blood tests (typically annually or as recommended by your doctor). Log your supplement intake to ensure consistency and help you remember to take it
  • Check your vitamin D levels at least once per year, or more frequently if your doctor recommends it. Keep a record of your levels over time to see if supplementation is working. Monitor for any signs of implant problems (pain, swelling, loose feeling) and report these to your dentist immediately. Track sun exposure and dietary sources of vitamin D as additional context for your levels

This article summarizes research findings and is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Vitamin D levels and dental implant health are individual matters that require professional evaluation. Before starting any vitamin D supplementation or making changes based on this information, consult with your doctor or dentist. They can assess your personal vitamin D status, recommend appropriate supplementation if needed, and monitor your implant health. Do not self-diagnose or self-treat implant problems—contact your dentist immediately if you experience pain, swelling, or other symptoms around your implant.