IMPLANTS, NUTRITION AND IMPLANTS
Nutritional advice for patients who are to undergo implant surgery:
A patient with optimal nutritional health will respond better to possible infections and the wound’s healing process will be faster. On the other hand, a diet that is poor in the necessary nutrients may increase susceptibility to infection. We will take a brief look at the role of nutrients in the wound’s healing process. After an intervention, the energetic needs of an adult increase by between 20% and 30%. The energy needed for the regeneration and maintenance of tissues is obtained by the appropriate intake of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Carbohydrates provide the necessary calories, and fats prevent endogenous protein from being consumed. The inappropriate intake of nutrients in these cases is due to difficulty in eating. Below we will very briefly analyse the role of each of them within the wound’s healing process.
Proteíns: These are essential for the formation of scar tissue and the repair of tissues. However, if the carbohydrates and lipids consumed do not fully cover the daily needs, the proteins and amino acids will be progressively used up, which will bring about an inappropriate inflammatory response. In very serious cases of hypoproteinemia, there may be a reduction in the synthesis of collagen, delay in the formation of scar tissue and a weakening of the defences.
Lipids: Lipids not only provide energy but also give us the essential fatty acids that our bodies need (Omega-6 and Omega-3 derived from linoleic acid and supplied by vegetable oils) and which are the main components of cellular membranes. Omega-3 reduces inflammation.
Vitamins:
- Vitamin C: essential in the repair process. It stimulates collagen synthesis, the formation of scar tissue and resistance to infection. A shortage of Vitamin C can cause a delay in the formation of scar tissue.
- Vitamin A: necessary for tissue repair, the development of bones, collagen synthesis, the maintenance of epithelial tissue (including periodontal tissue). A diet poor in Vitamin A causes a reduction in the degree of epithelization of wounds not yet fully scarred and causes delay in the repair of tissues.
- Vitamin D: this vitamin and calcium are the two essential elements for the repair of hard tissue (bone). Vitamin D ensures the correct metabolism of calcium and the production of collagen. A shortage of Vitamin D causes osteomalacia and inadequate regeneration of bone. In theory, a healthy adult obtains enough from sunlight, since Vitamin D is produced in the skin.
- Vitamin K: directly affects the factors involved in coagulation and bone metabolism. Although it occurs infrequently, a shortage of Vitamin K can delay the formation of scar tissue and increases susceptibility to infection. Half of our needs for this vitamin are obtained by the synthesis of certain intestinal bacteria.
- Vitamin B: works as a coenzyme that maintains energy metabolism. A deficiency in this vitamin negatively affects the repair process. Thiamine is found in lean pork, chicken and pulses. Riboflavin is found in milk and its derivatives. Vitamin B6 is found in grains.
Minerals:
Some minerals interact with others and an excess or shortage of a mineral can inhibit or increase the absorption of another. Food sources are preferable to supplements because they maximize bioavailability and reduce the risk of toxicity
- Zinc: scar formation, tissue regeneration, bone formation and improved immune response are some of the biological roles of Zn.
- Cu: also involved in the process of scar formation.
- Hierro: as a component of haemoglobin, iron transports oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from cells. As a component of enzymes it is vital for the production of energy. An iron deficiency can interfere with the bactericide activity of leukocytes, thus increasing susceptibility to infection.
- Calcio: improves the health of bones and teeth.
