Research Trends and Mapping Knowledge for Short Implants in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Abstract

Purpose: Short implants have become an effective alternative to conventional implants, particularly in cases with insufficient bone volume where advanced surgery may increase costs and treatment duration. Although interest in short implants is growing, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research trends and influential studies in this area has not been done. This analysis aims to evaluate scientific publications on short implants, identify key trends, influential authors, journals, and articles, and visualize thematic areas to guide future research.

Material and methods: The Web of Science (WoS) database was searched using the keywords ["Short Implant" OR "Short Implants" OR "Short Dental Implant" OR "Short Dental Implants"]. After applying specific inclusion criteria, 626 articles published between 1994 and 2024 were included. Bibliometric and science mapping analyses were performed using the Bibliometrix R package. Performance analysis, keyword analysis, co-citation, and thematic mapping were conducted. The PRISMA guidelines were adapted to ensure transparency and reproducibility.

Results: The analysis showed a significant increase in scientific production on short implants, with an annual growth rate of 12.69%. The average citation per article was 33.9. Clinical Oral Implants Research and the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants were identified as the most influential journals. Esposito M. and Felice P. were the most prolific and cited authors. The most cited article was "Bone Augmentation Procedures in Implant Dentistry" by Chiapasco M. Thematic analysis revealed four major research areas and highlighted evolving trends. Despite a peak in publications in 2019, a recent decline was observed. Co-citation networks illustrated collaborations and frequently cited clusters in the field.

Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific landscape on short implants. The study highlights increasing interest and identifies leading authors, journals, and articles shaping the field. The findings reveal knowledge gaps and emerging themes, offering valuable insights to guide future research priorities and enhance clinical applications of short implants.