A study of dental implant complications through bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Background: Dental implants are a widely successful solution for tooth replacement, yet complications remain a key challenge. Bibliometric analysis provides valuable insights into research trends, influential studies, and gaps in this field. This study examines the global literature to better understand advancements in addressing dental implant complications. Objective: To conduct a thorough bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature concerning complications associated with dental implants. Methods: The bibliometric study was performed in both French and English, focusing on a database search in Scopus using the keywords "dental implant complications" for articles published from 2013 to 2023. This analysis follows the PRISMA framework to synthesize research on dental implant complications and employs visualization software (VOSviewer) to highlight similarities among the studies. The selected studies were evaluated based on citation counts, with a cut-off date of October 19, 2024. Results: Over the past decade, publications addressing complications associated with dental implant systems have shown a clear upward trend. The journals contributing most significantly to this area of research are Clinical Oral Implants Research and the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants. The University at Buffalo and the University of Napoli stand out as leading institutions in this field. Marco A.B. Esposito emerges as the most prolific author. The United States and Italy lead globally in publishing research on dental implant complications. Conclusions: The present study highlights a significant rise in literature addressing dental implant complications, demonstrated by an increasing number of publications, a wider range of contributors, and an expanded focus on various complications and influencing factors. This trend underscores the field's commitment to thoroughly understanding and tackling implant-related challenges, which holds the potential to improve implant longevity, enhance patient outcomes, and elevate the overall quality of care in dental implantology.