Applications of cryotherapy in dentistry: mapping 61 years of research through a bibliometric review

Abstract

Objectives: Cryotherapy is a therapeutic alternative with relevant applications in dentistry. This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis on its use in dental procedures. Material and Methods: A search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection database in May 2025. Three independent reviewers selected the articles about the use of Cryotherapy in Dentistry. The following data were collected: number and density of citations, year of publication, journal, impact factor, study design, main themes, country, continent, institution, authors, and keywords. Collaborative networks were generated using VOSviewer. Spearman’s test was used to determine the correlation between the number of citations, year of publication, and impact factor. Results: A total of 2,437 articles were identified, with 163 included. The most cited study had 207 citations. Publications ranged from 1964 to 2025, peaking in 2021 (n=13). The Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery was the most frequent journal (n=14). Clinical trials were the most common study design (n=58). Cryotherapy was mainly used for analgesia (n=42), especially in oral medicine (n=63). Clark GT authored the most studies (n=7), and the University of California led institutional output (n=9). The United States was the most represented country (n=28), while Asia was the leading continent (n=57). Conclusion: Research on cryotherapy in dentistry has grown in recent years, mainly in Asia. Its use is most frequent in analgesia-related procedures, especially in stomatology, through clinical trials.

KEYWORDS

Bibliometric analysis; Cold therapy; Cryotherapy; Dentistry; Pain management..