Case Report Vitamin D deficiency as a suspected causative factor in the failure of an immediately placed dental implant: a case report

摘要

AimTo discuss the influence of Vitamin D deficiency in the osseointegration process of a dental implant by way of a case report. Summary A 29-year-old soldier attended clinic with a fractured mandibular premolar (tooth 44) that was traumatised following head trauma related to the detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) whilst serving on operational duty. The tooth was deemed unsalvageable and was extracted with immediate placement of a dental implant. The patient experienced no problems but at assessment, five months post-operatively, no osseo-integration of the implant was found. Concurrent medical investigations revealed that he was severely Vitamin D deficient and that this may have contributed to the implant failure. Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the failure of osseointegration in dental implants. The assessment of vitamin D status in patients who have been in long-term hospital care or rehabilitation should be considered, prior to the placement of dental implants. Case report A 29-year-old soldier was referred to the Centre for Restorative Dentistry with a painful right mandibular first premolar (LR4) that had been fractured following head trauma relating to the explosion of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). LR4 suffered a crown fracture that led to an irreversible pulpitis. Associated injuries included: fractures to second, third and fourth lumbar vertebrae; left third to eighth ribs, left clavicle, left radius, left femur, and right medial malleolus. He also suffered a left pneumothorax and a minor traumatic brain injury. His right ankle had been fused as a component of his stabilisation treatment and the patient had spent approximately twelve months confined, predominantly indoors, within a rehabilitative facility. The patient was a non-smoker, did not drink alcohol and was motivated to maintaining good oral health.