Literature Review Regarding the Applicability and Clinical Outcome of Basal Implant

Abstract

Objective Restoring moderate to severely atrophic jaws with conventional implants often involves extensive surgical procedures. Basal implants, designed for immediate use in atrophied jawbones, offer an alternative by supporting single and multiple-unit restorations in the upper and lower jaws without the need for risky and expensive bone augmentation. However, their success rate diminishes significantly in areas with limited residual bone. This review aims to assess the applicability of basal implants compared to conventional endosseous implants. Methods A comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. The analysis focused on manuscripts and overviews published over a span of 20 years until September 8, 2022. Results Studies indicate that basal implants are a reliable option in specific cases, especially when other implants are not feasible, such as in severe alveolar bone atrophy. However, there is insufficient strong evidence to recommend basal implants over conventional ones. The evidence level of the reviewed papers all belong to evidence level V, which encompasses case reports and studies lacking controls. Conclusions The advantages of basal implants over conventional implants remain uncertain. The standard of care in dentistry should prioritize evidence-based practices, which commonly include the use of conventional implants. Further research is necessary to establish their efficacy and suitability in various clinical scenarios.