Calcium carbonate in dentistry: a bibliometric review of emerging applications and trends

Abstract

Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) has garnered increasing attention in dental research due to its versatile bioactive properties and expanding applications in preventive, restorative, and regenerative therapies. Objective  This study aims to comprehensively assess the bibliometric features of articles evaluating the utilization of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) in dentistry by conducting a bibliographic search on the Web of Science databases until March 2025. Methodology  The following data were collected: number and density of citations; authorship; year, journal of publication, and impact factor; study design and theme; keywords; institution and country of origin. VOSviewer software was used to generate collaborative network maps for authors and keywords. Results  A total of 91 highly cited articles were identified, with citation counts ranging from 123 to zero. Most articles (74%) were published after 2010, with the highest prevalence in Asia (44%), especially China (10%). The most frequent study design was in vitro (55%), primarily focused on restorative dentistry (29%) and cariology (23%). The most common keywords were “Calcium Carbonate” and “Hydroxyapatite”. DeVizio W. was the most prolific author, with four publications. Conclusions  Bibliometric analysis highlights a growing interest in the application of calcium carbonate in dentistry, with a progressive increase in scientific output over the years. The findings underscore the global distribution of research and emphasize the relevance of this biomaterial in various dental specialties. This study reinforces several key points for research groups worldwide engaged in the development of innovative dental materials, providing valuable direction for future investigations, which remain limited in scope, especially regarding clinical applications and long-term outcomes.