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Critical Review, Dentistry • Braz. oral. res. 36 • 2022 • https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107bor-2022.vol36.0104   copy

Application of lasers in dentistry: a bibliometric study of the top 100 most-cited papers

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

Abstract

This bibliometric study analyzed the 100 most-cited papers about the use of lasers and their modalities in dentistry. A search strategy was created using specific keywords related to the topic. A comprehensive search was then conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) database up to July 2021. Papers that addressed the application of any type of laser and its modalities in dentistry were included. Each paper was cross-matched with the number of citations on Scopus and Google Scholar. The following data were extracted from papers: title, number of citations, authorship, country, year of publication, journal, study design, subject, laser type, and oral health outcomes. The VOSviewer software was used to generate bibliometric networks. The total number of citations ranged from 120 to 4,124 and 23 papers received more than 200 citations. Papers were published from 1964 to 2015. Most papers were from Europe (42%) and Anglo-Saxon America (27%). The USA was the country with more top 100 papers (25%). Papers were published mainly in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (15%) and Lasers in Medical Science (7%). VOSviewer maps demonstrated the existence of national and international research collaborations among institutions and authors. Most studies had a laboratory design (57%) and were about restorative dentistry (32%) and periodontics (21%). This bibliometric study of the top 100 most-cited papers on lasers in dentistry allowed a quantitative and qualitative analysis of this very promising research field, revealing a net of collaboration and the importance of this topic in dentistry.

Bibliometrics; Index; Laser Therapy

Introduction

It is currently recognized that oral diseases have become a worldwide epidemic and a major public health problem that affects the population and causes great impacts on vital oral functions, self-esteem, and quality of life.11. Peres MA, Macpherson LM, Weyant R, Daly B, Venturelli R, Mathur MR, et al. Oral diseases: a global public health challenge. Lancet. 2019;394(10194):249-260. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31146-8
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31... ,22. Haag DG, Peres KG, Balasubramanian M, Brennan DS. Oral conditions and health-related quality of life: a systematic review. J Dent Res. 2017 Jul;96(8):864-74. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517709737
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517709737... A wide range of diseases and disorders affects the soft and hard tissues of the craniofacial complex. For instance, oral cancer is the 8th most common cancer globally, while dental caries and periodontal disease are highly prevalent throughout the life course.33. Lancet. Oral health: prevention is key. Lancet. 2009 Jan;373(9657):1. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(08)61933-9
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(08)61...

4. Jin LJ, Armitage GC, Klinge B, Lang NP, Tonetti M, Williams RC. Global oral health inequalities: task group: periodontal disease. Adv Dent Res. 2011 May;23(2):221-6. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034511402080
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034511402080...

5. Benjamin RM. Oral health: the silent epidemic. Public Health Rep. 2010 Mar-Apr;125(2):158-9. https://doi.org/10.1177/003335491012500202
https://doi.org/10.1177/0033354910125002...

6. Petersen PE, Ogawa H. The global burden of periodontal disease: towards integration with chronic disease prevention and control. Periodontol 2000. 2012 Oct;60(1):15-39. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0757.2011.00425.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0757.2011... -77. Petersen PE, Bourgeois D, Ogawa H, Estupinan-Day S, Ndiaye C. The global burden of oral diseases and risks to oral health. Bull World Health Organ. 2005 Sep;83(9):661-9.

The introduction of lasers in the health field, specifically applied in the oral cavity, gave researchers and clinicians an opportunity to provide a new perspective for the treatment and management of oral diseases; and monochromaticity, directionality, and coherence are the main characteristics of lasers, with two different types based on applicability.11. Peres MA, Macpherson LM, Weyant R, Daly B, Venturelli R, Mathur MR, et al. Oral diseases: a global public health challenge. Lancet. 2019;394(10194):249-260. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31146-8
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31... ,88. Mussttaf RA, Jenkins DF, Jha AN. Assessing the impact of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on biological systems: a review. Int J Radiat Biol. 2019 Feb;95(2):120-43. https://doi.org/10.1080/09553002.2019.1524944
https://doi.org/10.1080/09553002.2019.15... Lasers have a wide range of applications, such as tissue ablation and surgical procedures, using, classically, high-power lasers, such as Nd:YAG, diodes, and Er:YAG.99. Shah AM, Khan K, Admen F, Amir N. A review of the use of laser in periodontal therapy. Int Dent J Stud Res. 2015;3(2):79-82. On the other hand, when laser therapy focuses on biological functions (i.e., tissue repair), regeneration and/or modulation of the inflammation, and pain process, it is then referred to as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), which includes the acronyms LLLT and LED for low-level laser therapy and light-emitting diode therapy.1010. Anders JJ, Arany PR, Baxter GD, Lanzafame RJ. Light-emitting diode therapy and low-level light therapy are photobiomodulation therapy. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2019 Feb;37(2):63-5. https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2018.4600
https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2018.4600... PBMT devices have an output below 500mW and the combined use of both laser types comprises, in an adjuvant manner, practically, all oral disorders in different fields of dentistry. Still, other two laser technology modalities are currently used: a) the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APT), commonly known as photodynamic therapy (PDT), which focuses on oral decontamination using a combination of oxygen, a photosensitizing drug (i.e., dyes), and a light source, resulting in cytotoxic compounds that are able to kill microorganisms; and b) laser-induced fluorescence for dental caries diagnosis and caries detection, which detects changes in the organic content of an early carious lesion.1111. Oliveira AB, Ferrisse TM, Marques RS, Annunzio SR, Brighenti FL, Fontana CR. Effect of photodynamic therapy on microorganisms responsible for dental caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Jul;20(14):3585. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20143585
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20143585...

12. Freitas LM, Calixto GM, Chorilli M, Giusti JS, Bagnato VS, Soukos NS, et al. Polymeric nanoparticle-based photodynamic therapy for chronic periodontitis in vivo. Int J Mol Sci. 2016 May;17(5):769. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17050769
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17050769... -1313. Diniz M, Campos P, Souza M, Guaré R, Cardoso C, Lussi A, et al. The evaluation of different treatments of incipient caries lesions: an in situ study of progression using fluorescence-based methods. Oper Dent. 2021 Jan;46(1):87-99. https://doi.org/10.2341/19-268-L
https://doi.org/10.2341/19-268-L...

Considering the versatility of lasers, the number of scientific publications in the health sciences field, especially in dentistry, has grown progressively. Yet, to conduct a commendable literature review and to determine the academic importance of an article or research group and its impact on research is not an easy task. One way to do that is by employing bibliometric analysis.1414. Godin B. On the origins of bibliometrics. Scientometrics. 2006;68(1):109-33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-006-0086-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-006-0086-... Bibliometric analysis provides a quantitative review of the literature in any field of research based on the citation frequency of the conducted research. This analysis identifies organizations, institutions, international partnerships, and authors affiliated with the most prominent scientific investigations.1515. Hirsch JE. An index to quantify an individual’s scientific research output. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2005 Nov;102(46):16569-72. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0507655102
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0507655102... Moreover, this approach can demonstrate the association between the impact and growth of a specific subject, detect knowledge trends, recognize key study topics and study types, and investigate updated ideas and concepts.1616. Wu Y, Jin X, Xue Y. Evaluation of research topic evolution in psychiatry using co-word analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Jun;96(25):e7349. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000007349
https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000007... A bibliometric analysis is justified because citations are an indicator of the scientific impact of a paper, journal, researcher, and/or investigation group.

To the best of our knowledge and according to the literature review, an analysis of the most-cited articles on lasers and its modalities applied in dentistry has not been performed yet. Therefore, in order to highlight the most-cited authors, centers of excellence, prominent topics, and study types in the laser field over time, the aim of this study was to perform a bibliometric analysis of the 100 most-cited articles about the application of lasers in dentistry.

Methodology

A bibliometric study was carried out in July 14, 2021 to retrieve and analyze the 100 most-cited papers on laser use in dentistry. A comprehensive search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) database in the category “Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine” using the following search strategy: TS= (laser OR photobiomodulation OR PBM OR PBMT) AND TS= (mouth OR tooth OR teeth OR gingiva* OR facial OR maxilla* OR mandib* OR alveol* OR periodont* OR dent* OR oral OR odont*). There were no restrictions on language or on year of publication.

The resultant list of papers was arranged in decreasing order by the number of citations in WoS-CC. A panel of four researchers selected the papers. Disagreement about paper inclusion or exclusion was resolved by consensus. Papers addressing the study and/or application of any type of laser and its modalities in dentistry were included. Conference papers were excluded. The selection was concluded when the 100th most-cited paper was retrieved. On the same day, a cross-match with the number of citations of each paper on the top 100 list was conducted in Scopus and Google Scholar databases for further comparisons.

The following bibliometric parameters were extracted from each paper: title of the paper, number of citations in WoS-CC, Scopus, and Google Scholar, WoS-CC citation density (mean number of citations received per year),1717. Li H, Zhao X, Zheng P, Hu M, Lu Y, Jia F, et al. Classic citations in main primary health care journals. Medicine. 2015;94(49):e2219. https://https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000002219
https://https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.00000... authorship (names, number), country and continent (based on the affiliation of the corresponding author at the time of the publication), year of publication, the title of the journal, study design, subject, type of laser used, and oral health outcomes. The data were double-checked for accuracy. The final position of papers on the top 100 list was based on the highest number of citations in WoS-CC. In case of a tie, the position of a paper on the list was based on the highest WoS-CC citation density, followed by the highest number of citations in Scopus.

The study designs were classified according to the Cochrane Collaboration Glossary as laboratory-based studies (in vitro, in vivo, in situ, ex vivo), randomized clinical trial, non-randomized clinical trial, case report, observational studies (cross-sectional, case-control, or cohort studies), non-systematic reviews, and systematic reviews/meta-analysis. Based on the study subject, the papers were grouped into the following subjects: basic sciences, endodontics, orthodontics, pathology/stomatology, periodontics, restorative dentistry (including cariology and diagnostics), and mixed (when at least two specialties were involved). Oral health outcomes were grouped as dental bleaching, dental caries, dental hypersensitivity, necrosis/periapical lesions, oral cancer, oral lesions, oral mucositis, orthodontic movement, periodontal diseases, and peri-implantitis.

The VOSviewer software was used to generate co-authorship and keyword maps. On the co-authorship map, authors are linked to each other based on the number of co-authored papers. The software assigns the nodes in a network to clusters; therefore, a cluster is a set of closely related nodes.1818. Van Eck NJ, Waltman L. VOSviewer: Manual; 2020 [cited 2020 Apr 20]. Avaiable from: https://www.vosviewer.com/documentation/Manual_VOSviewer_1.6.8.pdf
https://www.vosviewer.com/documentation/... Each cluster was represented by a color. More important terms had more intense colors and strongly related terms were closer to each other.1818. Van Eck NJ, Waltman L. VOSviewer: Manual; 2020 [cited 2020 Apr 20]. Avaiable from: https://www.vosviewer.com/documentation/Manual_VOSviewer_1.6.8.pdf
https://www.vosviewer.com/documentation/... On the keyword map, an overlay visualization was set, where node colors ranged from blue (keywords used in older papers) to red (keywords used in recent papers).

Data analysis was performed using the statistical software package SPSS for Windows (SPSS, version 24.0, IBM Corp, Chicago, USA). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the normality of data distribution. As the data were not normally distributed, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test was used to assess the correlations among the number of citations of papers in each database. The significance level was set at 5%.

Results

The search strategy in WoS-CC yielded a total of 25,109 papers. After displaying the list in decreasing order by the number of citations, some papers were excluded for not focusing on laser applications in dentistry or for being conference papers. The 100 most-cited papers on the use of lasers in dentistry are listed in Table 1. These papers received a total of 21,627 citations in WoS-CC (range: 120 to 4,124). Two papers received more than 1,000 citations and 23 papers received more than 200 citations. Self-citations corresponded to 1.38% of the total citations. Besides, the top 100 papers received 23,813 citations in Scopus and 40,955 citations in Google Scholar. Positive correlations were found between the number of citations in WoS-CC and Scopus (r = 0.93; p < 0.001) and WoS-CC and Google Scholar (r = 0.75; p < 0.001). The oldest paper was published in 1964 and the most recent was published in 2015. Most papers were published between 2000 and 2010 (55%). The most-cited paper was “Cancer cell imaging and photothermal therapy in the near-infrared region by using gold nanorods”, by Huang et al. 1919. Huang X, El-Sayed IH, Qian W, El-Sayed MA. Cancer cell imaging and photothermal therapy in the near-infrared region by using gold nanorods. J Am Chem Soc. 2006 Feb;128(6):2115-20. https://doi.org/10.1021/ja057254a
https://doi.org/10.1021/ja057254a... with 4,124 citations in WoS-CC, 4,335 in Scopus, and 5,446 in Google Scholar published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society in 2006. These authors were from the University of California, USA.

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Table 1
The 100 most-cited papers on the use of lasers in dentistry.

The majority of the most-cited papers was from Europe (42 papers; 7,490 citations) followed by Anglo-Saxon America (27 papers; 9,253 citations), and Asia (21 papers; 3,226 citations). Latin America was represented only by Brazil (seven papers; 1,192 citations). On the other hand, Africa was the only continent with no papers. Furthermore, the USA (25 papers; 8,988 citations), Japan (15 papers; 2,383 citations), and Germany (11 papers; 2,284 citations) were the countries with most-cited papers (Figure 1). Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan (seven papers; 1,1201 citations) was the institution with most top 100 papers, followed by the University of California, the USA (four papers; 5,442 citations) and the University of Vienna, Austria (four papers; 589 citations) (Table 2).

Figure 1
Global distribution of the top 100 most-cited papers on the use of lasers in dentistry.

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Table 2
Institutions with the highest number of top 100 papers on the use of lasers in dentistry.

The 100 most-cited papers were published in 41 journals. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (15 papers; 3,425 citations) and Lasers in Medical Science (seven papers; 965 citations) were the journals that obtained the largest number of most-cited publications. The authors who appeared in more papers on the top 100 list were Ishikawa I (six papers; 1,073 citations) and Aoki A (six papers; 924 citations), followed by Walsh JT (five papers; 861 citations), Sculean A (five papers; 660 citations), and Schwarz F (five papers; 652 citations) (Table 3). The author map shows six different clusters of authors, and the largest one contains 12 authors (Figure 2).

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Table 3
Bibliometric indicators of authors with at least four manuscripts on the list of the 100 most-cited papers on the use of lasers in dentistry.

Figure 2
Co-authorship map showing clusters and national and international collaboration between authors of the top 100 most-cited papers on the use of lasers in dentistry.

The three most frequent study designs were laboratory-based studies (57 papers; 14,871 citations) followed by non-randomized clinical trials (13 papers; 2,277 citations) or randomized clinical trials (12 papers; 1,937 citations). Regarding the study subject, most of the papers were related to restorative dentistry (32 papers; 5,438 citations) and periodontics (21 papers; 3,400 citations), followed by pathology/stomatology (14 papers; 7,646 citations). The oral health outcomes most frequently addressed were periodontal diseases (22 papers; 3,393 citations) and dental caries (19 papers; 3,409 citations). Besides, 69 studies used low-level laser (16,488 citations), whereas 30 papers used high-level laser (4,992 citations) and one paper used low- and high-level laser (147 citations).

The co-occurrence keyword map revealed a total of 237 keywords. “Laser”, “photodynamic therapy”, and “diode laser” were the most frequently used keywords (Figure 3). Also, it was possible to observe changes in the focus of papers over time. Older papers tended to use high-level lasers in ablation and surgery, while more recent papers tended to use low-level lasers focused on prevention and pain/inflammation treatment.

Figure 3
VOSviewer density map of co-occurrence of keywords of the top 100 most-cited papers on the use of lasers in dentistry.

Discussion

The current bibliometric study identified and analyzed the top 100 most-cited papers on the use of lasers and its modalities in dentistry. A bibliometric scientific method was applied to classify the citations in some known databases. Moreover, a concomitant analysis was conducted aiming to investigate research groups, collaboration networks, and the most productive countries and universities as well. Study types, subjects, and oral health outcomes were reported, allowing a quantitative and qualitative bibliometric study.

In terms of absolute citation numbers, the top 100 papers received a total of 21,627 citations. By comparing this finding with that of other bibliometric studies in dentistry, this number is similar to that of other areas such as periodontology (21,276 citations).2020. Ahmad P, Asif JA, Alam MK, Slots J. A bibliometric analysis of Periodontology 2000. Periodontol 2000. 2020 Feb;82(1):286-97. https://doi.org/10.1111/prd.12328
https://doi.org/10.1111/prd.12328... In relation to citation classics or highly cited papers (papers that exceed the threshold of 100 citations in a specific area),22. Haag DG, Peres KG, Balasubramanian M, Brennan DS. Oral conditions and health-related quality of life: a systematic review. J Dent Res. 2017 Jul;96(8):864-74. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517709737
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517709737... ,2121. Feijoo JF, Limeres J, Fernández-Varela M, Ramos I, Diz P. The 100 most cited articles in dentistry. Clin Oral Investig. 2014 Apr;18(3):699-706. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-013-1017-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-013-1017-... ,2222. Heldwein FL, Rhoden EL, Morgentaler A. Classics of urology: a half century history of the most frequently cited articles (1955-2009). Urology. 2010 Jun;75(6):1261-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2009.09.043
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2009.0... all 100 papers surpassed this metric. This score was equal when compared with that of implant dentistry and orthodontics22. Haag DG, Peres KG, Balasubramanian M, Brennan DS. Oral conditions and health-related quality of life: a systematic review. J Dent Res. 2017 Jul;96(8):864-74. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517709737
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517709737... ,2323. Fardi A, Kodonas K, Lillis T, Veis A. Top-cited articles in implant dentistry. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2017 May/Jun;32(3):555-64. https://doi.org/10.11607/jomi.5331
https://doi.org/10.11607/jomi.5331... ,2424. Tarazona B, Lucas-Dominguez R, Paredes-Gallardo V, Alonso-Arroyo A, Vidal-Infer A. The 100 most-cited articles in orthodontics: a bibliometric study. Angle Orthod. 2018 Nov;88(6):785-96. https://doi.org/10.2319/012418-65.1
https://doi.org/10.2319/012418-65.1... and higher than in other dental fields such as pediatric dentistry (34 papers), endodontics (27 papers), and regenerative endodontics (16 papers).22. Haag DG, Peres KG, Balasubramanian M, Brennan DS. Oral conditions and health-related quality of life: a systematic review. J Dent Res. 2017 Jul;96(8):864-74. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517709737
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517709737... ,2525. Yılmaz B, Dinçol ME, Yalçın TY. A bibliometric analysis of the 103 top-cited articles in endodontics. Acta Odontol Scand. 2019 Nov;77(8):574-83. https://doi.org/10.1080/00016357.2019.1621378
https://doi.org/10.1080/00016357.2019.16... ,2626. Adnan S, Ullah R. Top-cited articles in regenerative endodontics: a bibliometric analysis. J Endod. 2018 Nov;44(11):1650-64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2018.07.015
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2018.07.0... These comparisons should be made with caution, given that laser is a specific/particular field and is used as an adjuvant when compared with other general areas in dentistry.

There was a larger number of publications in the first decade of the new millennium with almost 50% of articles published between 2001 and 2010. This way, the oldest and most recent publications were from the years 1964 and 2015, ranking 61st and 96th with 139 and 122 citations, respectively. Citation analysis is disparaged owing to the influence of time, as citations are generally time-dependent; older articles get ample time to enjoy global circulation and stand a higher chance for receiving added citations, regardless of their scientific value.22. Haag DG, Peres KG, Balasubramanian M, Brennan DS. Oral conditions and health-related quality of life: a systematic review. J Dent Res. 2017 Jul;96(8):864-74. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517709737
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517709737... ,2727. Song JW, Chung KC. Observational studies: cohort and case-control studies. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010 Dec;126(6):2234-42. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181f44abc
https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181f4... Thus, it is useful to consider not only the total amount of citations, but also citation density, a strategy adopted in the present study. However, the first decade of the 2000s was considered the most productive, as stated by other bibliometric studies.22. Haag DG, Peres KG, Balasubramanian M, Brennan DS. Oral conditions and health-related quality of life: a systematic review. J Dent Res. 2017 Jul;96(8):864-74. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517709737
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517709737... ,2222. Heldwein FL, Rhoden EL, Morgentaler A. Classics of urology: a half century history of the most frequently cited articles (1955-2009). Urology. 2010 Jun;75(6):1261-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2009.09.043
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2009.0... These results may be associated with advances in techniques, technology, and materials triggering scientific growth and research, especially in the first two decades of the 2000s, considered the era of the exponential growth of scientific publications.22. Haag DG, Peres KG, Balasubramanian M, Brennan DS. Oral conditions and health-related quality of life: a systematic review. J Dent Res. 2017 Jul;96(8):864-74. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517709737
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517709737... ,2828. Larsen PO, von Ins M. The rate of growth in scientific publication and the decline in coverage provided by Science Citation Index. Scientometrics. 2010 Sep;84(3):575-603. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-010-0202-z
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-010-0202-...

Twenty-five percent of the 100 most-cited papers were from the USA, which attests to the leading role and tradition of its institutions.22. Haag DG, Peres KG, Balasubramanian M, Brennan DS. Oral conditions and health-related quality of life: a systematic review. J Dent Res. 2017 Jul;96(8):864-74. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517709737
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034517709737... ,2121. Feijoo JF, Limeres J, Fernández-Varela M, Ramos I, Diz P. The 100 most cited articles in dentistry. Clin Oral Investig. 2014 Apr;18(3):699-706. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-013-1017-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-013-1017-... ,2323. Fardi A, Kodonas K, Lillis T, Veis A. Top-cited articles in implant dentistry. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2017 May/Jun;32(3):555-64. https://doi.org/10.11607/jomi.5331
https://doi.org/10.11607/jomi.5331... ,2424. Tarazona B, Lucas-Dominguez R, Paredes-Gallardo V, Alonso-Arroyo A, Vidal-Infer A. The 100 most-cited articles in orthodontics: a bibliometric study. Angle Orthod. 2018 Nov;88(6):785-96. https://doi.org/10.2319/012418-65.1
https://doi.org/10.2319/012418-65.1... ,2929. Gogos C, Kodonas K, Fardi A, Economides N. Top 100 cited systematic reviews and meta-analyses in dentistry. Acta Odontol Scand. 2020 Mar;78(2):87-97. https://doi.org/10.1080/00016357.2019.1653495
https://doi.org/10.1080/00016357.2019.16... ,3030. Fardi A, Kodonas K, Gogos C, Economides N. Top-cited articles in endodontic journals. J Endod. 2011 Sep;37(9):1183-90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2011.05.037
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2011.05.0... Japan, Germany, England, and Brazil (only country representing Latin America) also achieved great prominence. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate the academic potential of Anglo-Saxon American, European, and Asian institutions. One of the main reasons behind the participation of Brazil is the presence of specific centers focused on laser application, such as the Special Laboratory of Laser in Dentistry (LELO) of the University of São Paulo (since 1995), with a partnership of the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute. Interestingly, LELO had a strong participation and collaboration of Japanese institutions and, recently, a productive and massive partnership with Germany, demonstrating the quality of Brazilian papers, which rank 7th and 8th on the list of 100 most-cited papers. It is also important to highlight the intense national and international collaboration among institutions in the publication of the top 100 most-cited papers. These collaborations help to increase the quality and impact of the investigations, consequently increasing the number of citations and research visibility.

The analysis of the most productive authors showed that Ishikawa I from Bergen University (Norway) and Aoki A from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute (Brazil) secured the first two positions of authors on the list of the 100 most-cited papers. As demonstrated, the co-authorship network presented six different clusters, reflecting the national and international collaboration among authors. To compare these data with other published data is not an easy task because other bibliometric studies focused on the international collaboration map instead of using an analysis similar to the one performed here. It can be inferred, however, that the higher degree of international collaborations boosts the chances of citations.

The papers ranked in this investigation were published in 41 journals. Three journals accounted for 30% of the top 100 most-cited papers: Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (established in 1980), Lasers in Medical Sciences (established in 1986), and Caries Research (established in 1967). Note that two of them are specific to laser treatments. As part of the qualitative analysis, the most-cited keywords were “laser”, “diode laser”, and “photodynamic therapy”. In consonance with these findings, when the types of lasers used over the years were analyzed, high-level lasers tended to be used more frequently from the early 1960s to the mid-1990s, having been described in 30 papers, whereas low-level lasers, appearing in 69 papers, have been used more recently (from the late 1980s to the mid-2000s). We can speculate that, thanks to large investments in education/technology, lasers, including handheld ones, tend to be more accessible, thus facilitating their use and applications at affordable prices. Other modalities, such as diagnostics and decontamination by means of photodynamic effects, may help explain the widespread use of this specific type of laser, highlighting the versatility of laser devices applied in health sciences.

Interestingly, once the use of lasers in clinical practice has been more common, their mechanism of action, characteristics, and cell/animal interactions/behavior were of relevance in this investigation, as pointed out by the large number of laboratory-based studies. Also, given that laser devices have a clinical appeal, and as they have become more accessible over the years because of their low cost, the great number of interventional studies addressing laser application for the treatment of different conditions in restorative dentistry and periodontics comes as no surprise. Indeed, most papers investigated the use of lasers in dental caries and periodontal diseases with an attempt to help with the diagnosis and treatment of these two worldwide prevalent oral health problems.11. Peres MA, Macpherson LM, Weyant R, Daly B, Venturelli R, Mathur MR, et al. Oral diseases: a global public health challenge. Lancet. 2019;394(10194):249-260. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31146-8
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31...

Conclusion

This bibliometric quantitative and qualitative analysis provided an interesting insight into the application and trends of lasers and their modalities in dentistry. Most of the papers were from Europe, had a laboratory design, and dealt with restorative dentistry and periodontics. The importance of international partnership was underscored, leading to better-quality studies and citations and to the widespread use of low-level lasers in daily dental practice.

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (Capes) – Finance Code 001, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (Fapemig), and Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (PRPq/UFMG).

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    11 July 2022
  • Date of issue
    2022

History

  • Received
    26 Apr 2021
  • Accepted
    3 Nov 2021
  • Reviewed
    25 Mar 2022
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