Evolution and emerging directions in antimicrobial surface engineering for dental implants: a bibliometric and trend analysis (2015–2025)

Aims: Peri-implantitis and biofilm-associated infections remain major complications compromising the long-term success of dental implants. In response, antimicrobial surface engineering strategies have rapidly expanded over the past decade. However, the scientific evolution, thematic structure, and emerging directions of antimicrobial coatings in dental implant research have not been comprehensively mapped. This study aims to perform a bibliometric analysis of global scientific literature investigating antimicrobial surface engineering approaches for dental implants. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer software. The Scopus database was searched on February, 2026, using keywords related to “dental implant,” “antimicrobial coating,” and “surface modification,” covering the period between 2015 and 2025. Articles and reviews published in English were included, yielding a total of 447 records. Publication trends, country productivity, citation performance, keyword co-occurrence networks, and temporal evolution of research themes were analyzed. Results: The analysis demonstrated a steady increase in publications, particularly after 2018, reflecting growing scientific interest in antimicrobial implant technologies. China, the United States, and India were among the most productive countries. Research output was distributed across both dental and materials science journals. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified seven thematic clusters, primarily centered on titanium surface modification, osseointegration, silver nanoparticle-based antimicrobial strategies, biofilm inhibition, and biocompatibility. Overlay visualization revealed a temporal shift from silver-dominant antibacterial approaches toward multifunctional surface engineering strategies emphasizing bioactivity, nanotechnology, and advanced fabrication techniques. Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric mapping of antimicrobial surface engineering research in dental implants. The findings highlight the field’s evolution from simple antibacterial incorporation to integrated biofunctional surface strategies. Despite rapid technological advancement, limited emphasis on long-term clinical outcomes indicates a translational gap. These insights may guide future research directions and strategic development in implant surface engineering.