Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify the highly cited references that drove the research on implant dentistry with CBCT.

Materials and methods: The literature database Web of Science Core Collection was accessed to identify a collection of papers on this theme. Cited reference analysis was conducted with the aid of CRExplorer, dedicated bibliometric software.

Results: The analysis succeeded in identifying the papers that introduced the very first CBCT machines in the Asian and European markets, respectively; papers that proved the CBCT measurement accuracy, its ability to visualize sinus floor penetration, and its reduced metal artifact relative to conventional CT; papers that gave imaging guidelines for implant cases; and papers reporting bone remodeling at extraction sockets and the possibility of grafting at sites with inadequate bone.

Conclusion: These publications together provided solid evidence to support subsequent dental implant research and evaluation by CBCT.