Current bibliometric analyses of the evolving trends in research scope category across different time periods using the H-classics method in implantology are considerably limited. The purpose of this study was to identify the classic articles in implantology to analyse bibliometric characteristics and associated factors in implantology for the past four decades. H-Classics in implantology were identified within four time periods between 1977 and 2016, based on the h-index from the Scopus database. For each article, the principal bibliometric parameters of authorship, geographic origin, country origin, and institute origin, collaboration, centralisation, article type, scope of study and other associated factors were analysed in four time periods. A significant increase in mean numbers of authors per H-Classics was found across time. Both Europe and North America were the most productive region/country and steadily dominated this field in each time period. Collaborations of author, internationally and inter-institutionally had significantly increased across time. A significant decentralisation in authorships, institutes and journals was noted in past four decades. The journal of Clinical Oral Implant Researches has raised its importance for almost 30 years (1987-2016). Research on Complications, peri-implant infection/pathology/therapy had been increasing in production throughout each period. This is the first study to evaluate research trends in implantology in the past 40 years using the H-classics method, which through analysing via principle bibliometric characteristics reflected a historical perspective on evolutionary mainstream in the field. Prominence of research regarding complications may forecast innovative advancements in future.

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Background/purpose Presence of pulp stones increase the difficulty of locating canal orifice during endodontic treatment. This study aims to determine the prevalence of pulp stones in a northern Taiwanese population through analysis of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods A total of 144 patients and 2554 teeth were used in the present study which were collected from a CBCT image archive. To determine the presence of pulp stones, images of pulp chamber and root canals were analyzed in the sagittal, axial and coronal planes and from the occlusal to apical direction. Correlations between pulp stones and gender, age, tooth type, dental arch or side were also examined. Results Of the 144 patients, 120 patients (83.3%) and 800 (31.3%) teeth were found to have one or more pulp stones through CBCT examination. Prevalence of pulp stones between dental arches and tooth types were significantly different ( P < 0.001). Pulp stones were found to be the most prevalent in first molars (50.0%) and most scarce in first premolars (18.8%). There was no significant correlation between pulp stones and gender, increasing age, or dental sides. Conclusion Pulp stones are more frequent in maxillary teeth compared to mandibular teeth. Pulp stones in molar teeth were significantly more common than premolars and incisors. CBCT could be a sensitive tool to detect pulp stones, especially simplifying identification of pulp stones in radicular pulp. Knowledge of pulp stones distribution can aid dentists in clinical endodontic treatment.