Mapping the Evolution of Injectable and Flowable Composites in Dentistry: A Bibliometric Study Over Two Decades

This study provides a comparative and comprehensive analysis of current developments and research gaps, offering insight into future directions in novel dentistry.

The Web of Science search for the bibliometric analysis was conducted using Title, Abstract, and Keywords with the terms TS ("INJECTABLE COMPOSITE" OR "FLOWABLE COMPOSITE"). This indicates that the study focuses on documents containing "injectable composite" or "flowable composite" within the field of dentistry. This bibliometric analysis encompasses publications from 2004 to 2024, totaling 430 documents.

The study presents the growth rate, research trends, and thematic development over the years. Additionally, the most cited articles from the past two decades were analyzed in detail. The annual growth rate of this field is 16.3%, reflecting a steady increase in research activity. Although publication numbers remained stable from 2004 to 2023, a significant rise was noted in 2024. "Operative Dentistry," "Dental Materials," and "Dental Materials Journal" were the leading sources with the highest number of related articles. Among the contributing countries, the United States leads with 84 publications, followed by Türkiye, which ranks second with 75 publications. In evaluating the most cited studies, the research by Julian Leprince et al. has the highest number of citations, with a total of 247.

This bibliometric analysis of flowable and injectable composites in dentistry provides critical insights into the evolving research landscape and scientific discussions in this field. It highlights emerging trends, research patterns, and advancements in the application of these composites in dental practice.