MAPPING THE GLOBAL LANDSCAPE OF FRACTAL ANALYSIS IN DENTISTRY: A 37-YEAR BIBLIOMETRIC STUDY (1988–2025)

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluates the global trends, influential contributors, and thematic evolution of Fractal Analysis (FA) research in dentistry over the last 37 years. Materials and Methods: Bibliometric data (1988–2025) were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Using R Studio and VOSviewer, performance metrics (publication volume, citation impact, H-index) and science mapping techniques were conducted to visualize the field’s intellectual structure. Results: Of 369 identified publications, annual production showed a significant upward trend, peaking in 2022. Turkey ranked first in productivity (n=164), while the USA led in citation impact (2126 citations) and H-index (26). Oral Radiology and Dentomaxillofacial Radiology emerged as core sources. Network analysis revealed three thematic clusters: basic bone microarchitecture assessment, osteoporosis screening, and mandibular morphological analysis. Conclusions: FA research has matured from theoretical bone assessment to practical clinical applications in implantology and osteoporosis. Future directions are projected to shift towards 3D Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) analysis and the integration of artificial intelligence models.

Keywords

• Fractal analysis
• Bibliometric analysis
• Dentistry
• Bone quality
• Osteoporosis.

DİŞ HEKİMLİĞİNDE FRAKTAL ANALİZ ARAŞTIRMALARININ KÜRESEL TRENDLERİ VE ENTELEKTÜEL YAPISI: 1988'DEN 2025'E KADAR KAPSAMLI BİR BİBLİYOMETRİK ANALİZ

Abstract

Amaç: Bu çalışma, son 37 yılda diş hekimliğinde Fraktal Analiz (FA) araştırmalarının küresel eğilimlerini, etkili paydaşlarını ve tematik gelişimini değerlendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Gereç ve Yöntem: 1988–2025 yıllarına ait bibliyometrik veriler Web of Science Core Collection veri tabanından elde edilmiştir. Alanın entelektüel yapısını görselleştirmek amacıyla R Studio ve VOSviewer yazılımları kullanılarak performans metrikleri (yayın hacmi, atıf etkisi, H-indeksi) ve bilimsel haritalama teknikleri uygulanmıştır. Bulgular: Tanımlanan 369 yayın arasında yıllık üretim, 2022 yılında zirveye ulaşarak anlamlı bir yükseliş eğilimi göstermiştir. Türkiye, yayın üretkenliğinde (n=164) birinci sırada yer alırken; ABD, atıf etkisi (2126 atıf) ve H-indeksi (26) bakımından liderlik etmiştir. Oral Radiology ve Dentomaxillofacial Radiology temel kaynaklar olarak öne çıkmıştır. Ağ analizi (network analysis) üç tematik küme ortaya koymuştur: temel kemik mikro-mimarisinin değerlendirilmesi, osteoporoz taraması ve mandibula morfolojik analizi. Sonuç: Fraktal Analiz araştırmaları, teorik kemik değerlendirmelerinden implantoloji ve osteoporozdaki pratik klinik uygulamalara doğru evrilerek olgunlaşmıştır. Gelecekteki yönelimlerin 3 boyutlu Konik Işınlı Bilgisayarlı Tomografi (KIBT) analizlerine ve yapay zeka modellerinin entegrasyonuna kayacağı öngörülmektedir.

Keywords

• Fraktal analiz
• Bibliyometrik analiz
• Diş hekimliği
• Kemik kalitesi
• Osteoporoz.

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