Basal Implants: Understanding the Risks and Basal Implant Failure Rate

Basal Implant Failure Rate: Why Basal Implants are not Popular in the USA

Basal implant failure Rate : Basal implants, also known as “subperiosteal implants,” are a type of dental implant that are placed into the jawbone but do not extend into the sinus cavity. Despite being a relatively new option, they are not widely accepted or recommended by the dental community in the United States.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of basal implants, as there is not enough scientific evidence to support their safety and effectiveness. According to a study published in the Journal of Oral Implantology in 2019, basal implant systems have not yet been widely accepted by the scientific community, as they are not supported by a sufficient number of controlled clinical studies and the high basal implant failure rate.

Basal Implant Procedure and its Complexities

Basal implants are placed by creating a small incision in the gums, and then lifting the gum tissue to expose the jawbone. The implant is then inserted into the jawbone and the gum tissue is sutured back in place.

However, this surgical technique is more complex than the traditional endosteal implant placement and requires a higher level of skill and experience, which is not always available. According to a study published in the Journal of Oral Implantology in 2018, basal implant systems are more difficult to place, require more surgical skill and have a higher basal implant failure rate than traditional endosteal implant.

Risk of complications with Basal Implants

Another major concern with basal implants is the risk of complications, especially when the basal implant failure rate is high. Some of the surgical complications that may arise when basal implants fail include infection, implant failure, and nerve damage.

Nerve damage can cause numbness or tingling in the lip, chin, or tongue. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed and the nerve damage may be irreversible. A study published in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2018 reported that basal implant failure rate was higher than traditional endosteal implant.

Managing Basal Implant Failure

When a basal implant fails, the complexity of managing and retrieving the implant can be high. Retrieval of a failed basal implant often requires a more complex surgical procedure, and may require bone grafting and sinus lift procedures, which are more invasive and have a longer recovery time than traditional endosteal implant removal. Additionally, the risk of further complications, such as nerve damage, is higher with basal implant removal.

Why the High Basal Implant Failure Rate?

• Lack of long-term clinical data on safety and effectiveness of basal implant systems
• Basal implant systems are relatively new and not studied as extensively as traditional endosteal implant systems
• Surgical technique for placing basal implants is more complex and requires extensive intervention while placing the implant
• Risk of complications and high basal implant failure rate increase due to complexity of surgical technique
• Lack of standardization in design and manufacturing of basal implant systems leads to variations in quality and performance
• Variations in quality and performance can affect success rate and increase basal implant failure rate.

For Patients Looking to Get Dental Implants

In conclusion, while basal implants may be an alternative option for dental implant treatment, it is important to be aware of the high basal implant failure rate and the potential risks and complications associated with this type of implant. It is recommended to consult with your dentist and to weigh the pros and cons of basal implants carefully before making a decision. Traditional endosteal implant with its FDA approval and a proven track record of safety and effectiveness is a safer option.

It is important to note that the high basal implant failure rate is a major concern and should be taken into consideration when deciding on dental implant treatment options. It is crucial to discuss the risks and benefits of basal implants, as well as the potential for a high basal implant failure rate, with your dentist before making a decision. As highlighted in the studies, traditional endosteal implant is a safer and more effective option with a proven track record of safety and effectiveness.

Considering the high basal implant failure rate, it is important to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of basal implants with your dentist before deciding if they are right for you. Traditional endosteal implant which is FDA approved, has been around for a long time and have a proven track record of safety and effectiveness. Therefore, it is always recommended to stick with the traditional and proven method of endosteal implant for dental implant treatment.

References:

Journal of Oral Implantology, “Basal Implant Systems: Current Status and Future Directions”

Journal of Oral Implantology, “Basal Implant Systems: A Review of the Literature”

International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, “Basal Implant Systems: A Systematic Review”

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