The trajectory of iatrogenic perforation: Mapping progress, gaps, and future trends

The authors used bibliometric analysis to elucidate the evolution of and future trends in iatrogenic perforation research. The insights can help identify research priorities and links across stages and guide future advancements.

The authors carried out a literature retrieval on Web of Science Core Collection. Study selection criteria for articles were year, language, article category (eg, research article, case report, review, and clinical trial), key words, and themes (centered on iatrogenic perforation); for authors the criteria were country and organization and for journals the criteria were citations and number of relevant articles. The authors used VOSviewer Version 1.6.20 (Leiden University), CiteSpace Version 6.2.R4 (Drexel University), and SCImago Graphica, Version Beta 1.0.42 (SCImago Lab) for visualizing the analysis.

Articles grew overall. The United States was the most prominent contributor and Journal of Endodontics was the most published and cited resource in this domain. Mahmoud Torabinejad was regarded as the most cited author and Hatem A. Alhadainy was considered the most productive author. Key words clustered around repair materials, diagnosis, regenerative therapies, and digital technologies. This discipline has evolved from studies on perforation repair materials to multidimensional investigations encompassing material science, diagnostic innovation and regenerative therapies, and advances through synergistic integration with digital technologies.

Preoperative risk assessment and guided endodontics in complex cases reduce the incidence of iatrogenic perforations. Advances in biocompatible materials allow for more effective perforation repair, simplify clinical procedures, and minimize the risk of developing tooth discoloration.