Critical review of minimally invasive periodontal surgery literature, a bibliometric study.

Background: Minimally invasive periodontal surgery (MIPS) is an emerging surgical approach that has demonstrated improved clinical outcomes in the management of interproximal intraosseous periodontal defects. Despite its potential, only a limited number of research groups have contributed to the development and refinement of MIPS techniques, which may hinder their broader clinical adoption. Objective: To examine publication trends and characterize the current state of research on MIPS through bibliometric indicators. Materials and Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted on Scopus-indexed documents published between 1996 and July 2023. Eligible records included original articles, reviews, and clinical trials that referenced MIPS techniques in their titles or abstracts. No categories of citable literature were excluded. Data extraction and analysis were performed using SciVal Results: A total of 145 documents were identified. The most prolific contributors were P. Cortellini, S. Harrel, and L. Trombelli. Nearly 90% of publications on MIPS appeared in Q1 or Q2 journals. The simplified papilla preservation flap and the minimally invasive surgical technique were the most frequently reported approaches. Overall, annual publication growth in the field of MIPS reached 8.33%. Research output was primarily concentrated in Europe, particularly Italy, with limited contributions from other regions. Self-citation rates were high (23.3%). Conclusion: Research on MIPS is expanding rapidly. Future efforts should prioritize multicenter collaborations, standardized methodology, and the development of international clinical guidelines to strengthen the evidence base and facilitate broader clinical implementation.