Dental implants are a great way to replace lost or damaged teeth with something which feels natural. They're very sturdy and can be treated the same as your natural teeth. However, there are ways in which they can be damaged or become loose. These types of problems usually happen when you first have the implants installed and they haven't settled in, but damage can happen at any time if they're not properly treated, though this is rare. Here are some ways in which your dental implants may become lose or break.

You have them do too much too soon:

Your dentist has probably told you to limit certain activities for a while after your procedure is completed. These may include eating foods that put a lot of pressure on or against your teeth. The result is that the implant itself breaks or becomes misaligned. If this happens, you may need to have the implant removed or replaced.

The implant never takes hold:

Sometimes, despite the best care and treatment, the implant will fail to fuse with your jaw bone. This may be due to "micro" movements while the bone is healing, poor bone density, or even your taking certain medications. These types of problems may show up any time within the first few months while your bone heals. This problem can be minimized by keeping up with all your follow-up appointments and routine check-ups.

There are changes in bone density:

Usually, implants work similar to teeth in that they help prevent bone loss and stimulate bone growth. However, some people still continue to experience bone loss even if they have an implant or still have most of their natural teeth. Even though your jaw bone looked fine at the time that you got the implant, it could still become loose if the bone density changes in the future. Make sure your dentist knows your health history and any medications you may be taking before or after the procedure.

You Get an Infection:

Even with an implant, you can still get infections and gum disease if you don't continue with your normal oral hygiene. Those with thin gums or certain health conditions, such as diabetes, have to be particularly diligent with caring for their teeth. Smoking can also contribute to the problem by irritating the infected areas and promote the growth of bacteria. Unfortunately, if the infection gets severe, the implant may need to be removed.

Dental implants last a lifetime if they are properly cared for and if you have no other health issues or changes in the future. However, like natural teeth, they shouldn't be taken for granted, and they need attention and care. If you have an implant that is broken or loose, contact a dentist such as Aaron G Birch, DDS PC right away to prevent things from getting worse.