Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide public health problem and epidemiological studies today show that approximately 70% of the population is deficient. Sunlight exposure is a major source of vitamin D, with only few foods that naturally contain sufficient levels.  Lack of sunlight in the northern U.S. (especially during winter) and increasing number of desk-related/indoor jobs has resulted in further deficient state. Osteoporosis and menopausal women are most frequently related to vitamin D deficiency. Recent studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to an increase in dental implant failure along with other dental-related wound healing complications. Mangano, et al* published a study in 2019 of nearly 2000 implants, where early implant failures were reported in association with other known complications, in particular smoking and a history of generalized periodontal disease. In this study, the overall implant failure rate was 3.9 %. Heavy smoking (at least 15 cigarettes a day) was associated with an approximately 50% increase (6.1%) in early implant failure. History of generalized periodontal disease was associated with an approximately 50% (6.1%) dental implant failure rate. Severely deficient vitamin D levels (< 10 ng/mL serum level) showed approximately 300% (11.1%) implant failure rate. This and other studies have concluded that further research, adequate testing, and supplementation prior to dental implant surgery and maintenance may be required.Future newsletter articles will review:•    Vitamin D’s role in wound healing and other dental complications•    Testing for Vitamin D levels•    Optimizing and Supplementation of Vitamin D

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