BACKGROUND: Free gingival graft (FGG) is considered as a well-established periodontal surgical technique to achieve sufficient keratinized tissue width and thickness and subsequently enhance gingival health and stability. This bibliometric research aims to reveal research focuses and trends about FGG. METHODS: Articles published on FGG were retrospectively retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2000 to 2023. Statistical and visual analyses were performed to characterize their quantity, journals, countries and regions, institutions, authors and keywords by CiteSpace software. RESULTS: The top 100 most cited articles comprised 80 original research papers and 20 reviews, with an average citation count of 56. Notably, 75% of these works (n = 75) were classified in the Q1 category of the Journal Citation Reports (JCR). The most influential article authored by Dr. Cairo F. in 2014 has received 251 citations. Specifically, 27 high-level papers published in Journal of Periodontology accounted for 1,849 citations. The United States with 30 articles published and the University of Michigan with 11 articles were the most productive country and institution, respectively. Prof. Wang Hom-lay published 6 articles with a total of 608 citations. Additionally, collagen matrix and dental implants have garnered significant attention over the past decades. CONCLUSION: Our analysis offers a comprehensive overview and in-depth analysis of the future development trends and potential research directions of FGG, which can inspire both clinical and scientific researchers.