Many patients ask us why we recommend vitamin C before many procedures.  We found this article from the Academy of General Dentistry to be very informative.  As always, if you have further questions, please feel free to ask us.

Getting plenty of vitamin C is one way oral surgery patients can ensure timely recovery.  Patients who neglect nutrition might be tacking extra days onto their recovery time, reports the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

Deficiencies of vitamin C have been shown to significantly slow the healing process.  AGD spokesperson Ludi Leibson, DDS, says he sometimes gives oral surgery patients high doses of vitamin C and multi-vitamin supplements before surgery.

A patients diet is crucial because adequate and appropriate vitamins, minerals, fats and protiens are essential for the growth and regeneration of normal tissues.

You’re going to delay the healing process and increase the possibility of infection if you’re not getting the proper nutrients, says Dr. Leibson.

Nutrients function individually as well as cooperatively in the healing process.  The energy needed for tissue maintenance and repair is supplied by carbohydrates, fat and protein.  Along with vitamin C, vitamins A, E, B, K and D are all integral to the healing process and a speedier recovery time.  for example, vitamin A significantly contributes to healing by reducing the inflammatory period of tissue repair.