3D-printed zirconia in dentistry: a bibliometric analysis of global research trends

Aims: Three-dimensional (3D) printing of zirconia is an emerging domain in digital dentistry; however, its global research landscape, collaboration structure, and thematic focus have not been comprehensively mapped. The aim of this study was to characterize scientific output, collaboration patterns, citation impact, and major research themes in publications on 3D-printed zirconia in dentistry.Methods: A Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) Topic Search was conducted in December 2025 using terms related to zirconia, additive manufacturing/3D printing, and dental applications. Of 584 retrieved records, 185 eligible articles on 3D-printed zirconia for dental use (2009–2025) were included. Descriptive indicators were calculated (annual production, journals, countries, institutions, authors, and citations). Co-authorship and keyword co-occurrence networks were generated with VOSviewer to visualize collaboration and identify thematic clusters.Results: Publication activity increased sharply after 2019, with 128/185 publications (69.2%) published in 2023–2025. Most documents were original research articles (n=159) or reviews (n=26); no case reports were identified in WoS-CC. The 185 articles involved 730 authors from 38 countries and were published in 48 journals. China and the United States were leading contributors. Network analyses identified three interconnected themes: digital/additive manufacturing workflows, implantprosthodontic applications, and biomechanical or accuracy-based evaluation. Evidence was predominantly in vitro and laboratory-based, with limited clinical data.Conclusion: Research on 3D-printed zirconia in dentistry is rapidly expanding but concentrated in a small set of countries, institutions, and journals. Future studies should prioritize clinical investigations and standardized reporting of printing and post-processing parameters to support translation into predictable outcomes.