Knowledge mapping of artificial intelligence in prosthodontics during 1995-2024: A bibliometric analysis

Artificial intelligence (AI) applications in prosthodontics has increased significantly in recent years, including diagnosis, maxillofacial prosthesis, and implantology. However, there is no bibliometric analysis in this research field. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge structure and research hotspots of AI in prosthodontics through bibliometrics.

As of August 26, 2024, articles on AI and prosthodontics in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) were collected. VOSviewer 1.6.20, and CiteSpace 6.3.R1 and R 4.3.3 were used to conduct this bibliometric analysis.

Totally, 214 articles published in 97 journals from 1061 authors were included in our study. The top contributors to this field were the United States, China, and Italy. Harvard University and Peking University are the main research institutions. The journal with the most publications was International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, and Wismeijer Daniel had the highest H-index. The most common keywords were "accuracy," "placement," "surgery," and "dental implants." Analysis of keywords bursts indicated that "dentistry," "3d printing," and "system" have recently been used, indicating that future research will focus on these keywords.

The study conducted a bibliometric analysis of over 20 years of AI and prosthodontics research, identifying the countries, institutions, authors, and journals, involved in this field. The current major topics were the accuracy of AI in diagnosis, and the AI and dental implants placement. AI is further useful for prediction of implant success and fabrication of digitally smart maxillofacial prosthesis.