Global Trends in Micro-CT Studies of Root Canal Morphology: A 25-Year Bibliometric Analysis

Overview

This bibliometric analysis examines 25 years of scientific publications on the application of micro-computed tomography in root canal morphology research. The study maps global research output, collaboration networks, and thematic evolution in the field of endodontic imaging. By analyzing data from the Web of Science Core Collection Science Citation Index Expanded between 2000 and 2025, the research identifies patterns in authorship, geographic contributions, and keyword clustering to characterize how micro-CT has been integrated into endodontic research. The analysis reveals the transformation of micro-CT from a validation tool to a comprehensive instrument for three-dimensional anatomical assessment and quantitative analysis in endodontics.

Methods and approach

The study retrieved articles from the Web of Science Core Collection, specifically limited to the Science Citation Index Expanded, covering publications from 2000 to 2025. Following application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, eligible studies underwent bibliometric analysis across multiple dimensions including publication year, authorship patterns, country of origin, journal distribution, and keyword occurrence. Data processing utilized Microsoft Excel for quantitative analysis, while bibliometric network visualization employed VOSviewer version 1.6.15 to map collaboration patterns and thematic clusters within the research domain.

Key Findings

Publication output demonstrated steady growth after 2010, with activity plateauing around 2020. Brazil, the United States, and China emerged as the dominant contributors, collectively accounting for over 60% of all SCI-indexed articles in this domain. Türkiye, Germany, and Switzerland also exhibited notable research activity. Among individual researchers, Versiani, Sousa-Neto, and Keleş were identified as highly prolific and influential authors. Keyword network analysis revealed three primary thematic clusters: instrumentation and preparation techniques, imaging-based anatomical analysis methodologies, and cone-beam computed tomography applications.

Implications

The findings document micro-CT's establishment as an essential imaging modality in endodontic morphology research, enabling precise three-dimensional evaluation of root canal anatomy. The analysis traces a methodological evolution in which micro-CT has progressed beyond its initial role as a validation instrument to become a comprehensive tool for detailed morphological assessment and quantitative analysis. The geographic distribution of research activity and the identification of thematic clusters provide insight into global research priorities and methodological trends in endodontic imaging. The plateau in publication output after 2020 may reflect maturation of the field or shifts in research focus that warrant further investigation.