Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to assess the long-term survival and success rates of 7-mm short implants and to compare clinical outcomes according to placement depth, including supra-crestal, equi-crestal, and sub-crestal positions.

Materials and Methods: A total of 111 SuperLine 7-mm implants were placed in 67 patients between March 2009 and November 2019 and followed for 5 to 14 years (mean 7.4±2.2 years). Cumulative survival and success rates were calculated using Kaplan–Meier analysis, and associations with clinical variables were evaluated using log-rank and Fisher’s exact tests. Marginal bone loss (MBL) was quantified using calibrated panoramic radiographs.

Results: Among 111 implants, four were removed and two were classified as ailing, resulting in a survival rate of 96.4% and a success rate of 94.6%. Placement depth was the only factor significantly associated with survival (P<0.05). Supra-crestal (98.0%) and equi-crestal (100.0%) placements showed higher survival than sub-crestal placement (87.0%). Long-term MBL remained below the 2-mm clinical threshold across all groups, with minimal progression from 0.16±0.37 mm at early evaluation to 0.32±0.56 mm at long-term follow-up. Supra-crestal placement demonstrated the lowest long-term MBL (0.24±0.44 mm).

Conclusions: The 7-mm short implants exhibited excellent long-term predictability, maintaining stable survival and success rates for up to 14 years. Supra-crestal and equi-crestal placements consistently produced favorable outcomes, and overall MBL remained minimal regardless of placement depth. These findings support the reliable use of this short implant system for anatomically limited sites and in elderly patients with systemic comorbidities.


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