RESUMEN
AIM: The purpose of this study is to correlate the role of serum vitamin D levels associated with crestal bone in dental implant patients using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients among whom implants were placed after a detailed planning using CBCT and the delayed loading protocol was followed. After 3 months and 6 months of loading, CBCT evaluations were carried out, serum vitamin D levels were also tested at the end of 6 months of loading. A total of 30 patients were recruited with 15 patients in each group based on normal and deficient levels of vitamin D to correlate with crestal bone levels using CBCT. RESULTS: Clinically acceptable crestal bone loss (CBL) was visible with all the implants at different time intervals. Statistical analysis was done for intergroup and intragroup comparisons which showed significant p-value (< 0.05) for CBL at the time of loading, at 3 months, and at 6 months follow-up for both normal and deficient serum values. In the deficient group, the mean value at baseline was 9.69 mm ± 1.10 and the CBL at 6 months follow-up was 8.80 mm ± 1.10 whereas for the normal group at baseline, the mean was 9.08 mm ± 1.21 and at 6 months follow-up was 8.12 mm ± 1.25 which showed meaningful difference. CONCLUSION: There is a positive correlation seen between CBL on CBCT and vitamin D serum levels. The success of the implant is significantly affected by vitamin D as it regulates the bone physiology and has systemic effects on accelerating bone formation around titanium implants. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Vitamin D is essential in maintaining the balance of bone minerals and assists to preserve the crestal bone level making the implant treatment more predictable and successful.