Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Early dental implant failure (EDIF) can occur even when optimal materials are used, surgical protocols are strictly followed and the quantity and quality of bone at the recipient site are sufficient. The existence of specific patient-related risk factors require an investigation into the regulatory mechanisms controlling bone metabolism, bone remodelling and bone turnover as well as serum Vitamin D. The implant stability quotient is used as a prognostic indicator for possible implant failure. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between serum Vitamin D levels and EDIF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 143 implant placement sites were identified in 53 patients enrolled in this study. All patients had the assessments of serum Vitamin D levels side by side with assessments of primary and secondary implant stability at proposed implant sites at the time of implant placement and after 12 weeks using a resonance frequency analysis device. RESULTS: Ten early failures (7%) were recorded. There was no correlation between gender, age, smoking, hyperglycaemia or an increased incidence of early failures. Statistical analysis reported two early failures (4.5%) in patients with serum levels of Vitamin D >30 ng/mL, two early failures (2.3%) in patients with levels between 10 and 30 ng/mL and six early failures (46.2%) in patients with levels <10 ng/mL. DISCUSSION: The role of Vitamin D as a risk factor for early implant failure should be considered in patients with Vitamin D deficiency. The incidence of early implant failures was higher in patients with low serum levels of Vitamin D. Patients with low serum Vitamin D levels had a greater rate of early implant failure.