Evaluation and Correlation of Vitamin D Levels and Jaw Bone Mineral Density in Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Female Patients Undergoing Implant Therapy: Protocol for a Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide. The amount and quality of bone at the implant installation site have an impact on the implant’s prognosis however, the effects of menopause on jaw bone remain unknown. Few studies have looked at the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in India’s general population, but none have looked at the link between vitamin D deficiency (osteoporosis) and postmenopausal women’s jaw Bone Mineral Density (BMD). This is the first study of its sort in India to look at postmenopausal women’s vitamin D levels and jaw BMD.

Need of the study: The present study would enhance the relationship between vitamin D levels and BMD in premenopausal and postmenopausal females and will help to conclude the effect of menopause on bone quality and quantity which should be considered in dental treatment.

Aim: To evaluate and correlate vitamin D levels and jaw BMD in pre and postmenopausal females undergoing implant therapy.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study will include 50 partially or completely premenopausal (n=25) and postmenopausal females (n=25) having edentulous anterior and posterior maxillary and mandibular jaws. Females will be tested to evaluate their vitamin D levels and jaw BMD with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and results will be recorded in Hounsfield Units (HU) using Planmeca romexis viewer software. Chi-square test and Students t-test will be used.