Ana Margarida Rodrigues
Evidence of vitamin supplementation in oral health. Vitamin D in the osseointegration of dental implants: what does science say?
- Master Degree in Dental Medicine at the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Lisbon (2015-2020).
- Postgraduate Course in Pedagogical Development – Teaching Support at the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Lisbon (2021).
- Specialization course on Forensic Odontology certified and managed by the Lisbon School of Medicine with the collaboration of the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Lisbon and the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Zagreb.
- Invited Assistant in the School of Dental Medicine from the University of Lisbon, since 2022.
- Collaborator in the Dental Forensic Sciences Research Group (FORENSEMED) integrated part of the Oral and Biomedical Sciences Research Unit (UICOB) at Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Lisbon.
- Participant in national and international conferences, webinars and symposiums.
Nationality: Portugal
Scientific areas: Therapeutics
7 of november, from 17h30 until 18h05
Room 1
Conference summary
Osseointegration is a biological process essential to the success of dental implants, characterized by the formation of a direct, functional, and stable connection between bone and the implant surface. This phenomenon involves a complex sequence of cellular and molecular events, ranging from the initial inflammatory response to bone remodeling. Among the various factors that influence the effectiveness of osseointegration, vitamin D has gained increasing prominence.
Vitamin D is an essential organic micronutrient, playing a crucial role in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, which is fundamental to bone mineralization and metabolism. Beyond its general biochemical and physiological functions, vitamin D also exerts immunomodulatory effects and directly influences inflammatory responses and tissue regeneration.
Through a systematic review, this presentation aims to analyze the role of vitamin D in the osseointegration of dental implants. The metabolic pathways of vitamin D, its sources, and the factors affecting its bioavailability will be addressed, along with the molecular mechanisms that influence osteoblastic activity and peri-implant bone formation.
The relationship between vitamin D deficiency and higher implant failure rates, inflammatory complications, and reduced predictability of bone regeneration will be highlighted. The clinical relevance of monitoring serum vitamin D levels will also be discussed, particularly in patients with systemic risk factors such as osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, advanced age, and/or chronic medication use.
In summary, based on the available scientific evidence, this presentation aims to demonstrate to oral health professionals the importance of recognizing vitamin D as a key factor in the planning and prognosis of dental implant treatments.