Implants, crowns and bridges can last for many years — but only when properly cared for. Unfortunately, many patients still believe that “you don’t floss crowns” or that implants “maintain themselves,” which are among the most harmful myths in dentistry. Poor oral hygiene can lead to peri-implantitis, a serious inflammatory disease affecting the tissue around dental implants, often resulting in bone loss and even implant failure.

Below is a clear explanation of what peri-implantitis is, why hygiene around prosthetic restorations is essential, and how to properly care for your mouth to protect both your natural teeth and your prosthetic work.

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease of the soft tissue and bone surrounding a dental implant. It develops as a result of bacterial accumulation in dental plaque, leading to:

• redness and swelling of the gums,
• bleeding on brushing,
• unpleasant mouth odor,
• bone loss around the implant,
• loosening and potential loss of the implant.

The condition most commonly affects patients who do not floss, do not use an oral irrigator, or struggle to properly clean the areas around their prosthetic restorations.

Prosthetic restorations include many areas where a toothbrush simply cannot reach, such as:

• spaces between crowns,
• the underside of bridge pontics,
• the connection between the implant and the crown,
• gingival margins and peri-implant sulcus.

If plaque and food debris remain in these regions, inflammation develops. On natural teeth it leads to gum disease and decay; around implants it results in peri-implantitis.

FACT: Crowns, bridges and implants must be flossed.

Whether a crown sits on a natural tooth or an implant, plaque builds up the same way. If not removed, it leads to:

• gingival inflammation,
• bad breath,
• peri-implant diseases,
• demineralization or decay under crowns on natural teeth.

Special floss (superfloss) is essential for cleaning under the pontic of a bridge and between multiple connected crowns — areas inaccessible to a toothbrush.

An oral irrigator is one of the most effective hygiene tools for prosthetic patients. It works by using a pressurized stream of water to flush out bacteria and food debris from hard-to-reach areas.

Key benefits include:

• reduction of plaque in interdental and subgingival areas,
• lower risk of peri-implantitis,
• decreased gum bleeding and inflammation,
• excellent effectiveness around bridges, implants and orthodontic appliances.

Note: An irrigator does not completely replace flossing, but it is an essential complement to it.

Mouth rinses help reduce bacteria, support the gums, and enhance daily hygiene. Commonly recommended options include:

• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) – antibacterial, helpful for gingival inflammation,
• Chlorhexidine (CHX) – for short-term use during active inflammation,
• Fluoride rinses – protect natural teeth, especially under crowns,
• Herbal rinses (sage, chamomile) – soothe irritated gums.

A rinse cannot replace mechanical cleaning, but it is an effective supportive measure.

Your daily routine should include:

1. Brushing at least twice a day with a manual or sonic toothbrush.
2. Flossing — regular floss for single crowns, superfloss for bridges.
3. Using an oral irrigator — ideally every evening.
4. Mouth rinse to support gum health and reduce bacterial load.
5. Professional hygiene every 6 months, especially for implant patients.
6. Regular dental check-ups — at least once or twice a year.

Consequences of Neglect — What Can Poor Hygiene Lead To?

• peri-implantitis and implant loss,
• gingivitis and periodontitis,
• tooth decay under crowns,
• bad breath,
• the need to replace prosthetic work,
• treatment costs far exceeding preventive care.

Both dental implants and prosthetic restorations require meticulous daily care. The myth that “crowns don’t need flossing” is not only false — it is dangerous. Flossing, an oral irrigator and an appropriate mouth rinse are essential for maintaining healthy tissues, prolonging the lifespan of prosthetic work and minimizing the risk of peri-implant disease.

Tooth loss affects not only oral health but also everyday comfort and overall well-being. Many patients postpone the decision to replace missing teeth, assuming that if the gap is not visible, it can be ignored. Unfortunately, the consequences of leaving spaces unfilled can be serious – both for the remaining teeth and for general health.
That is why timely and proper replacement of missing teeth is one of the most important elements of comprehensive dental care.

Below are the key reasons why it is worth doing.

Losing even a single tooth disrupts the balance of the entire chewing system. Teeth are designed to work together – when one is missing, the others must take over its function, which leads to overload and faster wear.

This may result in:

• excessive enamel abrasion,
• cracks and fractures of teeth,
• pain in the chewing muscles.

Restoring a missing tooth (e.g., with an implant, bridge or crown) brings back proper chewing conditions and protects the remaining teeth from excessive strain.

Missing teeth cause neighboring teeth to move, tilt, or “extrude” from the socket. Over time, this can lead to:

• formation of unaesthetic gaps,
• worsening of the bite,
• difficulties in orthodontic or prosthetic treatment,
• temporomandibular joint disorders (headaches, clicking, limited jaw movement).

Timely replacement of a missing tooth helps maintain a stable and healthy dental arch.

Tooth loss leads to gradual bone resorption in the area where the root used to be. Bone that is “not stimulated” loses its volume and density.

This may cause:

• changes in facial shape (a “sunken cheeks” effect),
• difficulties with future implant placement,
• weakening of neighboring teeth.

Dental implants are the only solution that effectively stops bone loss because they replace the natural root.

Missing teeth affect not only the smile but also facial expression and proportions. They can also lower self-esteem and cause people to avoid smiling or speaking freely. Modern prosthetics and implantology allow the creation of restorations so natural that patients often forget they have them.

Some teeth – especially the front ones – play an essential role in proper pronunciation. Their absence may lead to lisping or unclear speech.
Restoring missing teeth brings back normal speech function.

Improper chewing and avoiding certain foods may contribute to digestive problems. Additionally, unaddressed gaps increase the risk of inflammation, which can affect the entire body, including the heart, joints, and diabetes management.

At Materna Dental, we offer modern, durable, and aesthetic solutions tailored to each patient’s individual needs:

• Dental implants – the most durable and healthiest method of tooth replacement.
• Dental bridges – an effective solution for replacing one or several missing teeth.
• Dental crowns – restoring teeth that are weakened or after root canal treatment.
• Removable dentures – when implants are not an option.

Every treatment is preceded by thorough diagnostics and an individualized treatment plan.

Replacing missing teeth is an investment in long-term health, comfort, and aesthetics. Restoration not only brings back a beautiful smile but also prevents serious future complications – from tooth shifting to bone loss and chewing problems.

If you are struggling with a missing tooth, the sooner you seek a consultation, the easier and more effective your treatment will be.

We invite you to Materna Dental – we will take care of your smile comprehensively and professionally.

The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced many aspects of daily life – from work and social interactions to health routines. One area that experienced notable changes is oral hygiene. What new habits have we developed, and which ones are worth keeping for the future?

Before the pandemic, many people followed a simple routine – brushing twice a day, occasionally flossing, and visiting the dentist once or twice a year. However, COVID-19 shifted our perspective on health, making us more aware of how important daily oral care is for overall well-being.

Remote work and online learning meant spending more time at home, which allowed people to brush their teeth not only in the morning and evening but also after meals during the day.

With a stronger focus on immunity and general health, many people started paying more attention to reducing bacteria in the mouth. Flossing and antibacterial rinses became more popular.

The pandemic reminded us that oral health impacts overall health. Healthy gums and teeth help reduce the risk of inflammation that could weaken the immune system.

On the downside, fear of infection led many patients to postpone dental visits. This often resulted in delayed diagnoses and the need for more advanced treatments later on.

With limited access to dental services, people realized the importance of proper daily routines. Preventive care at home became more essential than ever.

• brushing at least twice a day thoroughly,
• flossing daily,
• using antibacterial and remineralizing mouth rinses,
• scheduling dental check-ups every 6 months,
• remembering that oral health supports overall immunity.

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how we care for our teeth and gums. While it limited access to dental services, it also encouraged better awareness and stronger home care routines. Keeping these healthy habits can help maintain a beautiful smile and support long-term oral health.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus and sometimes even reach the mouth. While GERD is most commonly associated with digestive problems, it can also have a significant impact on oral health.

The stomach acids that reach the mouth are highly corrosive and can lead to:

• enamel erosion – gradual loss of the tooth’s protective layer,
• tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods,
• higher risk of cavities,
• aesthetic changes – teeth may appear dull, yellowish, and fragile.

1. Regular dental check-ups – early detection of enamel erosion.
2. Gentle oral hygiene – use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
3. Avoid brushing immediately after reflux episodes – acids weaken enamel, and brushing can worsen damage. Rinse your mouth with water or a neutralizing mouth rinse first.
4. Use remineralizing mouth rinses – containing fluoride or calcium.
5. Work with a gastroenterologist – managing reflux is crucial for protecting your teeth.

GERD is not only a digestive issue but also a dental concern. Preventive care, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits are essential to minimize its impact on your teeth and gums.

Learn how acid reflux (GERD) affects your teeth and how to protect enamel. Discover Materna Dental’s expert dental care tips.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most important joints in the human body – it enables speaking, chewing, and everyday jaw movements. When its function becomes impaired, a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) may develop.

At Materna Dental, we help patients regain full comfort of life by combining modern diagnostics with individually tailored treatment.

• pain in the jaw, temples, or ears,
• clicking, popping, or “locking” of the jaw,
• limited mobility or joint blockage,
• headaches, neck and shoulder pain,
• facial muscle tension,
• tooth sensitivity and wear (bruxism).

Relaxation exercises, masticatory muscle massage, manual therapy, and relaxation techniques help reduce muscle tension, improve jaw mobility, and relieve pain.

Malocclusion and improper contact between teeth may contribute to TMJ dysfunction. Orthodontic treatment restores correct occlusion, bringing balance back to joint function.

For patients with missing teeth or reduced bite height, we use modern prosthetic solutions. Restoring lost teeth and correcting bite height reestablish proper chewing function and relieve strain on the joint.

At Materna Dental, we use the Zebris system, which enables computerized analysis of the temporomandibular joint and associated muscles.

With Zebris, we can:

• precisely diagnose dysfunctions,
• apply muscle deprogramming,
• plan prosthetic and orthodontic treatment based on objective data,
• monitor therapy outcomes.

Zebris allows us to treat effectively and without guesswork – with a complete picture of the masticatory system’s function.

Temporomandibular joint disorder does not resolve on its own. If left untreated, it may lead to chronic pain, worsening dental problems, and difficulties in everyday functioning.

Book a consultation at Materna Dental. With modern diagnostics and individually tailored treatment methods, we will help you regain health, comfort, and the freedom to smile with confidence.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects not only overall health but also the condition of the mouth. People struggling with elevated blood sugar levels are particularly prone to dental problems which, if left untreated, may lead to serious complications.

At Materna Dental, we fully understand how important a comprehensive approach is for patients with diabetes, which is why we place special emphasis on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases in this group.

High glucose levels weaken the body’s natural defense mechanisms, making it easier for bacteria to attack the gums. Untreated inflammation may lead to periodontitis, and eventually to loosening and loss of teeth.

Even minor dental procedures in people with diabetes may involve a longer recovery period. That is why it is so important that treatment is carried out under controlled conditions by experienced specialists.

Disturbances in glucose metabolism can reduce saliva production. A dry mouth promotes tooth decay, bad breath, and the formation of oral ulcers.

Oral candidiasis occurs more often in patients with diabetes. Symptoms may include burning sensations, a white coating, and discomfort while eating.

Early detection of problems allows for prompt treatment and prevents more serious consequences.

Regular dental check-ups:

• help maintain healthy gums and teeth,
• reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications,
• ensure safety during dental procedures,
• support the patient’s overall health.

At Materna Dental, we make sure every visit is comfortable and tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

If you have diabetes and want to take care of your oral health, don’t wait. Regular dental visits are the best prevention and the key to maintaining a beautiful smile for years to come.

Contact us today and schedule your first appointment at Materna Dental – together we will take care of your smile and your health.

Surgical guide implant template is an implantology tool, a type of cap that allows precise insertion of an implant into a pre-planned location.

An implant template allows for an individual reflection of the prosthetic field, assisting in proper surgical placement and angulations of dental implants.
A specialised program is used to design the template, which requires input of the patient’s CT scan, the implant system used, the type of surgical template, intraoral scans or impressions and additional elements, e.g. a sleeve for the template or a sleeve for stabilising pins. Based on the data obtained and an assessment of the bone density and quality, the implantologist, together with the technician, selects the ideal site for the implant. The dental technician then designs a suitable individual dental template in the laboratory so that the implantologist can drill with extreme precision and maximum safety. This ensures a minimally invasive procedure.

Implantation navigated with an implant template allows to:

• Achieve a predictable and optimal implant insertion angle,
• Increase patient comfort,
• Carry out the implant procedure strictly according to a predetermined plan,
• Perform less invasive, flapless surgery, and therefore decrease chances of swelling,
• Reduce surgical exposure time and thus the healing time,
• No bone atrophy as a result of gum detachment during surgery
• Possibility of immediate computer planning and execution of the temporary crown before surgery

Implant templates are mainly static templates made of resin, which is characterised by Class I biocompatibility, meaning that it is designed for safe contact with tissue and skin. The templates can be designed with pins that stabilise on the alveolar ridge or based on the palate or adjacent teeth.

We distinguish between the following types of implant templates:

• templates designed for pilot drills – only navigate the first stage of implantation, i.e. the first (pilot) drill,
• templates with holes for insertion of drills and implant through the template,
• templates for complete osteotomy,
• templates for edentulous bone reduction when the vestibular dimension is small,
• templates for “Work on 4 implants” or “Work on 6 implants” implantation.

Implantation navigated with an implant template is recommended for:

• difficult conditions for implantation,
• low bone density
• short distance to a nerve or sinus,
• planning removal of an old implant,
• planning apex resection,
• extensive implantation or implantation in highly aesthetic areas,
• planning sinus lift,
• extraction with immediate implantation,
• patient requirements (when the patient wishes to reduce the treatment time and increase the predictability of the work).

• maximum precision of the procedure – the implant is placed precisely in the planned location,
• less invasive procedure – often without the need for a large incision in the gum,
• faster healing – less tissue trauma means shorter recovery time,
• shorter procedure time – implant placement is more efficient and predictable,
• greater patient comfort – less pain and swelling after the procedure,
• better aesthetic effect – the implant is perfectly positioned for the future crown,
• predictable treatment outcome – the patient knows what the final result will be.

A 41 year old female patient visited Materna Dental Clinic inspired by LAVA Digital Crowns.

During her first appointment, the patient admitted that she had been following our work on Instagram and Facebook for several years. As a teenager, she lost her right upper front tooth and since then had always dreamt of a beautiful smile. As she got older, her teeth misaligned in such a way that the right upper second tooth partially moved into place of the lost tooth and the neighbouring one moved towards it, further disrupting the symmetry of her smile. This misalignment was made more noticeable by permanent lip make-up, which emphasised the midline shift.

The patient started her transformation at Materna Dental Clinic with a prosthetic consultation with Tomasz Materna, dentist specializes in smile transformations using LAVA crowns.

An intraoral examination, photographic documentation, intraoral scan and review were performed.

Missing teeth 16,26,27,36,46 were found.

The patient was referred for hygienist treatment to Dr. Marysia Górka, implant consultation to Dr. Paweł Kulesza and conservative treatment of carious lesions and root canal treatment of teeth with periapical lesions to Dr. Anita Myśliwiec and Dr. Aleksandra Kowalczyk.

The patient opted for implantation at site 26 (Bicon implant), and decided to restore the remaining missing teeth with prosthetic bridges.

A gingivectomy was performed, i.e. reduction of the gums in sections 15-25, thus improving the shape and symmetry of the smile.