# A global overview of the use of cone beam computed tomography in dentistry: a bibliometric review focusing on paediatric patients

## TL;DR

This study reviews global research on using CBCT in pediatric dentistry, highlighting trends and areas needing improvement.

## Contribution

The first bibliometric analysis of CBCT use in pediatric dentistry, focusing on research trends and gaps.

## Key findings

- Observational studies on maxillary expansion were most common in CBCT research.
- A strong negative correlation was found between publication year and citation count.
- The USA and the University of Alberta were major contributors to CBCT research in pediatric dentistry.

## Abstract

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has improved diagnosis and treatment planning in paediatric dentistry, but no bibliometric studies have examined the research landscape. This study provides an overview of CBCT in paediatric dentistry.

A bibliometric review was conducted using articles from the Web of Science database up to February 2024. Conference papers and editorials were excluded. Data extracted included citation counts, publication dates, journals, impact factors, study designs, topics, geographical and institutional affiliations, authors, and keywords. Collaborative networks were visualised using VOSviewer, and Spearman’s correlation assessed the relationship between citation counts and other variables.

The review analysed 517 articles, with the most cited receiving 557 citations. Publication dates ranged from 2005 to 2024, with a peak in 2023. Observational studies were the most common, particularly on maxillary expansion. The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics was the most cited journal, and the USA was a major contributor. Jacobs R authored the most articles (n=19), and the University of Alberta led in institutional output. Spearman’s correlation showed a weak positive correlation between citation count and journal impact factor (rho=0.272, p<0.001) and a strong negative correlation with publication year (rho=-0.762, p<0.001).

This bibliometric review provides an overview of the use of CBCT in paediatric dentistry, particularly in maxillary expansion. The findings suggest that more specific imaging protocols may improve safety and clinical outcomes, and that further investigation of long-term outcomes may provide valuable insights.