Global Trends in Temporomandibular Joint Research (2000–2025): A Transformer-Based Topic-Modelling Map

Muhammed Enes Naralan; Ruşen Erdem; Burkay Moroğlu; Nurbanu Moroğlu; Ahmet Yıldırım; Yavuz Selim Genç

doi:10.61139/ijdor.1829188

Global Trends in Temporomandibular Joint Research (2000–2025): A Transformer-Based Topic-Modelling Map

Abstract

Background: This study aims to systematically map the thematic evolution of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) research from 2000 to 2025, identifying shifts in clinical and methodological priorities using transformer-based topic modeling. Material and Method: A total of 18,107 TMJ-related publications were retrieved from the Scopus database. Titles and abstracts were embedded using a biomedical transformer model. Dimensionality reduction was performed via UMAP, followed by clustering with HDBSCAN. Topics were labeled using class-based TF–IDF. Annual topic proportions were analyzed using ordinary least squares regression with false discovery rate correction. Results: Twenty-seven distinct topics were identified across six domains: biomechanics, clinical symptoms, imaging, pathology, surgery, and therapies. Eleven topics showed significant upward trends, notably arthrocentesis, ankylosis, and mouth-opening interventions. Six topics declined, including disc-focused MRI metrics and elastography. Ten topics remained stable. The findings reveal a thematic shift from biomechanical and imaging metrics toward minimally invasive interventions and digital health applications. Conclusion: Transformer-based topic modeling offers a panoramic view of TMJ research trends, highlighting a growing focus on patient-centered, conservative, and technology-assisted care. These insights provide a framework for future research prioritization and underscore the need for interdisciplinary approaches.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Not applicable

Ethical Statement

Not applicable

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Muhammed Enes Naralan ^*
0000-0002-2444-4322
Türkiye

Ruşen Erdem
0000-0002-5298-7949
Türkiye

Burkay Moroğlu
0009-0009-8674-5276
Türkiye

Nurbanu Moroğlu
0009-0002-1753-3236
Türkiye

Ahmet Yıldırım
0009-0005-6804-1276
Türkiye

Yavuz Selim Genç
0000-0003-0556-2830
Türkiye

Publication Date

December 31, 2025

Submission Date

November 24, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 28, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 5 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.61139/ijdor.1829188

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA42RH89RW

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Naralan, M. E., Erdem, R., Moroğlu, B., Moroğlu, N., Yıldırım, A., & Genç, Y. S. (2025). Global Trends in Temporomandibular Joint Research (2000–2025): A Transformer-Based Topic-Modelling Map. HRU International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Research, 5(3), 159-173. https://doi.org/10.61139/ijdor.1829188

AMA

1.Naralan ME, Erdem R, Moroğlu B, Moroğlu N, Yıldırım A, Genç YS. Global Trends in Temporomandibular Joint Research (2000–2025): A Transformer-Based Topic-Modelling Map. HRU Int J Dent Oral Res. 2025;5(3):159-173. doi:10.61139/ijdor.1829188

Chicago

Naralan, Muhammed Enes, Ruşen Erdem, Burkay Moroğlu, Nurbanu Moroğlu, Ahmet Yıldırım, and Yavuz Selim Genç. 2025. “Global Trends in Temporomandibular Joint Research (2000–2025): A Transformer-Based Topic-Modelling Map”. HRU International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Research 5 (3): 159-73. https://doi.org/10.61139/ijdor.1829188.

EndNote

Naralan ME, Erdem R, Moroğlu B, Moroğlu N, Yıldırım A, Genç YS (December 1, 2025) Global Trends in Temporomandibular Joint Research (2000–2025): A Transformer-Based Topic-Modelling Map. HRU International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Research 5 3 159–173.

IEEE

[1]M. E. Naralan, R. Erdem, B. Moroğlu, N. Moroğlu, A. Yıldırım, and Y. S. Genç, “Global Trends in Temporomandibular Joint Research (2000–2025): A Transformer-Based Topic-Modelling Map”, HRU Int J Dent Oral Res, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 159–173, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.61139/ijdor.1829188.

ISNAD

Naralan, Muhammed Enes - Erdem, Ruşen - Moroğlu, Burkay - Moroğlu, Nurbanu - Yıldırım, Ahmet - Genç, Yavuz Selim. “Global Trends in Temporomandibular Joint Research (2000–2025): A Transformer-Based Topic-Modelling Map”. HRU International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Research 5/3 (December 1, 2025): 159-173. https://doi.org/10.61139/ijdor.1829188.

JAMA

1.Naralan ME, Erdem R, Moroğlu B, Moroğlu N, Yıldırım A, Genç YS. Global Trends in Temporomandibular Joint Research (2000–2025): A Transformer-Based Topic-Modelling Map. HRU Int J Dent Oral Res. 2025;5:159–173.

MLA

Naralan, Muhammed Enes, et al. “Global Trends in Temporomandibular Joint Research (2000–2025): A Transformer-Based Topic-Modelling Map”. HRU International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Research, vol. 5, no. 3, Dec. 2025, pp. 159-73, doi:10.61139/ijdor.1829188.

Vancouver

1.Muhammed Enes Naralan, Ruşen Erdem, Burkay Moroğlu, Nurbanu Moroğlu, Ahmet Yıldırım, Yavuz Selim Genç. Global Trends in Temporomandibular Joint Research (2000–2025): A Transformer-Based Topic-Modelling Map. HRU Int J Dent Oral Res. 2025 Dec. 1;5(3):159-73. doi:10.61139/ijdor.1829188