Skip to content

    WHAT IS BASAL IMPLANTOLOGY?

    Basal implantology comes from the type of dental implant called “basal” or “cortical” which is made of titanium in a particular shape and size. The basal implant is longer than the classic implant and it therefore fits deeper into the jawbone, or even into other bones such as the basal zygomatic implant which is inserted into the zygomatic bone (cheek bones).

    What is basal implantology?

    implant basal / Implant basaux

    A basal implant is a type of titanium dental implant in a particular shape and size. The basal implant is longer than the classic implant and it therefore fits deeper into the jawbone, or even into other bones such as the basal zygomatic implant which is inserted into the zygomatic bone (cheek bones).

    Basal implantology is one of the implant solutions to be used in the most severe cases of missing bone. However, we will also see that other techniques should be considered before basal implantology, which should only be used as a last resort and in very specific cases.

    It is only after having assessed the risks of the various possible solutions that the surgeon will choose basal implantology.

    The cortical bone

    The adjective basal (base) is used to differentiate the basal dental implant from the classic implant in the sense that it is inserted deep into the base of the bone.

    In fact, the base of the bone into which this type of implant fits deeply is called the cortical bone. A classic implant is inserted into the alveolar bone which is more on the surface.

    Basal implantology: Different types

    “Cortical” basal implant

    The principle of the basal implant is based on its mode of retention. When a traditional implant requires osseointegration (healing of the bone) in the spongy part of the bone, the basal implant is fixed like a screw in the hard and mineral part of the bone. This part of the bone does not osseointegrate. The basal dental implant must therefore be loaded immediately so that the prosthesis acts as a link between each basal implant and can guarantee the correct distribution of masticatory forces over the entire jaw.

    The basal implant has been known and practiced for many years, its name comes from the part of the bone in which it is implanted, the basal part, also called cortical bone. It is the most mineralized part of the bone, the hardest. Conversely, the traditional implant is implanted in the spongy part of the bone which requires osseointegration and therefore a long treatment time.

    2 types of basal implant. Disc implants (BOI implant) which are the first generation of basal implants, and the latest generation basal implant BAx.

    Zygomatic implant

    A Basal Zygomatic Implant is a type of titanium dental implant of a particular shape and size. The basal implant is longer than the classic implant and it therefore fits deeper into the jawbone, or even into other bones such as the basal zygomatic implant which is inserted into the zygomatic bone (cheek bones).

    Basal implantology is one of the implant solutions to be used in the most severe cases of missing bone. However, we will also see that other techniques should be considered before basal implantology, which should only be used as a last resort and in very specific cases.

    It is only after having assessed the risks of the various possible solutions that the surgeon will choose the type of basal implantology.

    Points to remember!

    No Bone Graft Needed: The basal implant is placed in the cortex which suffers little or no atrophy

    Immediate implantation: The loading is necessarily immediate

    Success rate close to 100%: Thanks to its smooth surface, cases of peri-implantitis (rejection) are extremely rare on this type of dental implant

    Micro-invasive: Bone drilling is extremely fine and does not damage bone tissue.

    Basal implantology: Things to know!

    Contrary to what some people think, basal implantology is not intended to provide a one-step implantation treatment with an immediate permanent fixed dental prosthesis. An immediate fixed prosthesis is permitted but it must be temporary.

    This technique is sometimes controversial, sometimes presented as a miracle treatment or as the future of implantology.

    If you think you need basal implantology, this article allows you to sort things out with explanations and visual examples.

    Who is basal implantology for?

    Basal implantology is intended for people with very little bone in the upper jaw and who generally need to reconstruct the entire complete jaw on implants. It is possible to place a basal implant in a patient who only needs to redo a part of the jaw, but in general this applies rather to the complete jaw.

    See the patient case.

    Implant basal résultat

    Bone thickness in basal implantology

    When a patient has less than 5 mm of bone, the basal implant is an option.

    Between 5 and 8 mm of bone, short implants will be preferable because they are both less invasive, just as strong and durable, without requiring a bone graft.

    Between 8 and 12 mm of bone, it will be rather recommended to use a small bone graft or sinus lift in order to be able to put classic implants or short implants without a graft.

    From 12 mm of bone, in general, conventional implants can be placed.

    Of course, these rules are not absolute. The complete analysis of the dental and bone situation can lead to other recommendations if this is justified for the well-being of the patient.

    The different types of basal implant

    “Cortical” basal implant

    The simple basal implant is a long and straight implant.

    It is generally used instead of conventional implants even when there is no bone loss in order to allow the patient to receive a crown or a fixed bridge directly after the placement of the implant. Even with basal implantology, you have to wait a few month. For the gums to heal to make a 100% suitable dental prosthesis. So a second step is necessary.

    This option with temporary fixed teeth is much more comfortable than wearing removable dentures. The temporary teeth are replaced by permanent teeth in metal-ceramic or Zirconia-Ceramic 4 to 6 months after the first intervention. This healing period allows the gums to stabilize after surgery to produce new permanent teeth that are perfectly adapted.

    “Zygomatic” implant

    The zygomatic basal implant is a long, angled implant intended to be screwed into the zygomatic bone (at the level of the cheekbones). It is therefore only used on the upper jaw. This type of implant is a valid alternative for people with a very low sinus floor. In order to avoid massive bone grafts in the sinus. This removes the need for bone filling of the sinus (sinus elevation or sinus lift).

    Provided you have a significant bone problem, this technique is one that our surgeons recommend. This avoids bone grafting, as well as having fixed but temporary teeth directly on the implants.

    This option with temporary fixed teeth is much more comfortable than wearing removable dentures. The temporary teeth are replaced by permanent teeth in metal-ceramic or Zirconia-Ceramic 4 to 6 months after the first intervention. This healing period allows the gums to stabilize after surgery to produce new permanent teeth that are perfectly adapted.

    Implant-zygomatique

    Advantages of the basal implantology

    Avoid bone grafting

    The great advantage of the basal implant is to avoid heavy bone grafting.

    Some people suffering from chronic sinusitis can also benefit from this technique so as not to risk sinus complications.

    Sometimes a bone graft requires the removal of autogenous bone, that is to say: from another bone of the same patient. This type of procedure has additional risks associated with this additional surgery. This also has a generally significant cost.

    Time saving

    This second advantage is a consequence of the first.

    When a patient receives a large bone graft, it is not possible to place the implants during the same procedure. It is then necessary to wait at least 6 months for the graft to take before placing the implants. Then the period of osseointegration of the implants lasts another 6 months before being able to place the definitive prostheses. The total duration is then more than 12 months.

    Strong initial stability

    The third advantage is the initial stability of the basal implant. This is so deep that it very easily allows the immediate placement of a fixed prosthesis directly a few days after surgery.

    Immediate but temporary fixed prosthesis

    A fixed implant prosthesis placed immediately (a few days) after surgery should always be temporary. You should not place a permanent prosthesis directly because the gums are swollen and they will deflate in the weeks that follow.

    By deflating, the gums leave an empty space between the teeth and the gum. It is therefore necessary to wait 4 to 6 months after the surgery for the gums to deflate and stabilize. Then, we make a new dental impression which is used to create the definitive dental prosthesis (crown or bridge).

    This applies equally to conventional implants as well as to basal implants. As well as cases where the implant is placed directly after extraction, such as the case where the patient has already waited 3 months after the extraction to place their implants .

    Basal implantology price

    According to my experience and the information collected before my father went for treatment, the cortical basal implant treatment costs between 12,000 and 20,000 euros for the full mouth. The price depending mainly on the final material (Ceramic or Zirconia).

    The zygomatic basal implant is around the same price.

    These prices are the prices I found abroad where my father went for treatment. Contact me for more information.

    Placing a basal implant requires specific skills. Ideally it should be placed by a maxillofacial surgeon.

    This work is carried out in 2 stages of 8-10 days, with an interval of 4-6 months during which the patient wears his temporary fixed teeth before returning for the permanent teeth.

    If you have any questions or would like a quote, do not hesitate to contact us!