Advanced bibliometric analysis of computer-controlled local anesthesia research in pediatric dentistry incorporating productivity laws and network analysis

Background: This study aimed to provide a comprehensive bibliometric overview of the research on computer-controlled local anesthesia in pediatric dentistry by analyzing publication trends, citation patterns, collaborative structures, and thematic evolution within the field. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted on publications indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed from 2000 to 2024. After excluding duplicates, 80 eligible documents were included. Descriptive indicators, such as annual scientific production, citation performance, authorship patterns, and core sources, were analyzed using the Bibliometrix package (Biblioshiny). Keyword co-occurrence and co-authorship network visualizations were generated using VOSviewer to explore thematic structures and collaboration patterns. Results: The findings revealed a gradual increase in scientific output over time, with a marked rise after 2014 and a peak in publication activity from 2018 to 2024. A limited number of core journals accounted for a substantial proportion of the publications, consistent with Bradford's law. Author productivity followed Lotka's law, with most authors contributing to a single publication. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified major thematic clusters centered on local anesthesia, pain management, anxiety, pediatric dental procedures, and behavioral considerations. Co-authorship analysis demonstrated that research collaboration was concentrated within a small number of author groups. Conclusions: This bibliometric analysis demonstrates the increasing scientific interest in computer-controlled local anesthesia in pediatric dentistry and identifies the field's core journals, key research themes, and collaborative structures. These findings provide a concise reference framework for future clinical and research-oriented studies on pediatric dental anesthesia.