Bone grafting is one of the most commonly used options to treat large bone defects. Evidence has shown that
vitamin D may affect osseointegration, a major component for successful
bone grafting. In vitro studies have proved that implants coated with activated
vitamin D stimulate bone production and reduce
bone resorption around implants. Animal studies have noticed that
oral administration of
vitamin D may stimulate bone formation as well as strengthen and support the interaction between bone and implants.
Vitamin D insufficiency may affect negatively the cortical peri-implant bone formation, suggesting a negative effect in graft incorporation. Few clinical studies have observed that
vitamin D administration enhanced graft incorporation and bone formation, while severe
vitamin D deficiency is associated with failed implant osseointegration. Even though there are encouraging results of
vitamin D supplementation on graft incorporation in animal studies, the use of
vitamin D as an adjuvant in
bone grafting procedures cannot be fully supported at the moment. However, there is theoretical support in the use of
vitamin D after surgery and the use of bone grafts to support the bone structure, relieve
pain and increase graft absorption. Further experimental and clinical studies are required to support the administration of
vitamin D and its analogues in such cases.