Objective:

To determine the influence of vitamin D on the osseointegration of dental implants.

Material and methods:

A comprehensive search of the literature databases (Pubmed, Cochrane and Google Scholar), along with cross-referencing published peer-reviewed articles, was conducted. The search include full text without restriction of date or language.

Results:

A total of 25 articles were selected from the reviewed articles, most of them being animal research studies or “in vitro” studies. Only 4 of the selected articles are from human research.

Discussion:

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble molecule derived from cholesterol, is of great importance in bone metabolism, favoring bone mineralization. Studies in this regard seem to indicate that vitamin D levels are an important influence on the osseointegration process, influencing bone metabolism and peri-implant immune response.

Conclusions:

Experimental studies in animals have shown that there is a direct relationship between vitamin D deficiency and alterations in the osseointegration of implants in early stages. In humans, the deficit of this vitamin is also associated with the early failure of dental implants, however this statement has not yet been proven. On the other hand, the use of vitamin supplements in people with vitamin D deficiency has been related to the survival of dental implants in this type of patients, as well as it has been observed that vitamin D levels are related to the appearance and progress of peri-implant diseases.