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A colour atlas of periodontology
344
Journal of Dentistry, Vol. ~/NO. 4
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL CROWN AND BRIDGE THERAPY. By H. R. Thorn. 260 X 185 mm. Pp. 312 + xiv. Illustrated. 1976. Philadelphia, Saunders. g20.00. The author of this book, Dr Harold Horn, is evidently one of those rare beings (depending on which side of the dental fence one sits)-an academically minded practitioner, or a practically minded academic. Whichever, or both, this book is clearly the distillation of a wealth of practical expertise and scientific inquisitiveness. The recurrent theme throughout the text is the need to protect the vitality of teeth and supporting tissues, by the use of atraumatic techniques and biologically acceptable materials. It is as a consequence of this emphasis that eight of the sixteen chapters (126 pages) are devoted to aspects of cementation, and particularly to the use of EBA fortified Zinc Oxide cements, which are dwelt on at length. Other chapters deal, in varying depth, with such matters as aesthetics, impression taking and prevention. Dr Horn has read widely and discerningly, and each chapter contains recent references, together with many facets of original and stimulating thought. The appendix is particularly good and contains details and formulations of proprietary materials that may normally be gleaned only with great difficulty. Plastic ‘cosmetic veneers’ are described in Chapter Five and seem to this reviewer to be potentially harmful, but, this apart, no exception can be taken to the factual content. As in many American texts, no constraints appear to have been placed on the author in respect of space, and the book is liberally illustrated both with photographs and large clearly drawn line diagrams_ The author’s distinctive literary style may best be illustrated by quotation: ‘The oral environment. . . is referred to both as a disaster area, and a torture chamber for materials’ (p. 140). ‘Few males, or females, walk past a mirror without a sly glance’ (p. 70). ‘AII smiles involve some degree of widening of the mouth’ (p. 75). ‘The tincture of tenderness’. (hopefully not applied to)-‘The intimate insides of tooth structure’. (i.e. the pulp) (pp. 17 and 59). This idiomatic prose will deter some readers, but for me served to stamp the individuality of the author upon the text, with the result that the first few chapters were eminently readable, holding an unfulfilled promise for the rest of the book. Alas, the liberal availability of space mentioned earlier has led to a relaxation of literary discipline and the wealth of information contained within the text is martialled and remartialled not only between chapters but within chapters and even paragraphs. This stultifies what is an illuminating, but could so easily have been a thoroughly enjoyable book. Amongst the illustrations are several line drawings of little merit, such as the incomprehensible ‘triad of evaluation’ (p. 8). Similarly, many photographs are almost completely uniformative (pictures of bottles, containers, and various materials on glass slabs). Dr Horn assumes the reader to have a basic knowledge of crown and bridge techniques, and for this reason the book cannot be recommended for junior students. Senior students and qualified dentists should find, at a price, much that will stimulate both thought and discussion. I. E. Barnes
A COLOUR ATLAS OF PERIODONTOLOGY. By J. D. Strahan and I. M. Waite. Pp. 144, 262 X 195 mm. Illustrated. 1978. London, Wolfe Medical Publications. f12.00. This book is the fourth dental title in the series Wolfe Medical Atlases, which the publishers claim ‘brings together probably the world’s largest systematic published collection of diagnostic colour photographs’. The material for this atlas has it seems, been derived from the slide collection at the Eastman Dental Hospital and with only a couple of exceptions, the colour reproduction and the clarity thereof is superb. The book does however, fail to satisfy the expectations promised by the title and more particularly, by the most attractive cover. The initially favourable impression of a fine array of clinical photographs, proves to be neither as comprehensive as the title suggests nor that well balanced. Thus for example, the section dealing with frenectomy and gingival grafting procedures, both of which have very limited clinical applications, span twelve pages. In contrast the very commonly practised flap procedures and osseous therapy, which such an atlas should cover in great detail, enjoy only a page more. A disproportionate amount of space has been devoted to occlusion and splinting, but the section on gingival enlargements and mucosal lesions, which deserves to be one of the highlights of such an atlas, is weak - the authors simply exonerate themselves by pronouncing that field to be beyond the scope of their book! A further failing is an imbalance between the clinical material presented and the invariably much too detailed legends to the photographs and in many cases, also the text. The reasons for these shortcomings one suspects, is perhaps quite understandably, simply a lack of suitable clinical material. It seems that this deficiency is bolstered up in places by the inclusion of superfluous follow-up clinical photographs which
Book Reviews
345
add little to the theme under discussion and indeed, in some instances introduce irrelevant and somewhat distracting issues. A number of the clinical cases shown are incomplete and the lengthy legends and many of the line drawings which ought to be complementary, almost appear as substitutes for the lack of appropriate clinical material. The book thus lies somewhat uneasily between a pictorial atlas of periodontics. which it purports to be, and a new hybrid, that of a particularly well illustrated periodontal mini text book. What it has to offer in the former is infinitely more preferable and desirable for dentistry; that of the latter is rather questionable as there are already an adequate number of texts all telling much the same familiar therapeutic tale of over a decade ago. The most obvious solution to the dilemma which will inevitably face the authors in the preparation of the second edition, will be to incorporate the required additional, and in some cases improved substitute material as appropriate, from other institutions. A really fine British Atlas would thus emerge. Such a text would prove to be extremely useful to all students and GPs, providing access to truly realistic reproductions of clinical situations which would otherwise never be encountered. The other alternative would be to expand and up date the text considerably, delete many of the illustrations and produce certainly the finest illustrated periodontal text book. There are numerous points in the text with which inevitably, many would not agree but as this is essentially a colour atlas it would not be appropriate to dwell upon them. One might however, point out the several quite misleading references, in the legends to the clinical cases, of the excellent standard of oral hygiene that has been achieved; whereas this is not so, as is so clearly shown by the presence of marginal inflammation that is revealed, somewhat ironically perhaps, by the faithful colour reproduction which characterizes this book. In conclusion, despite its shortcomings, this book represents a commendable effort at a difficult task. It is reasonably priced and even in its present form, will gain a well deserved place in the periodontal literature. J. B. Kieser
EPIDEMIOLOGY. ETIOLOGY AND PREVENTION OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES: A report of a WHO Scientific Group. 200 X 140 mm. Pp. 60. 1978. Geneva, WHO. Sw.Fr.6. $3.00. This small booklet, of just 60 pages, reports on the findings of the WHO Scientific Group that met late in 1977. It represents an excellent resume of the current knowledge of the nature and extent of periodontal disease, its prevention and the basic principles of its treatment. It puts the role of periodontics in dentistry as a whole into proper perspective and will dispel many of the unfortunately still commonly held misconceptions that prevail It will prove to be an invaluable introduction for all students and is as such strongly recommended as basic reading prior to embarking upon the standard texts. Periodontal disease remains one of the most widespread diseases of mankind, despite the fact that it is one of the few for which evidence is available on effective methods of prevention. Even in countries with highly developed dental services, only a fraction of the disease problem is recognized and treated. Implementation of the concepts presented in this report will do much to rectify this unacceptable state of affairs and should be noted by all concerned with dental health. J. B. Kieser
GRANT’S DISSECTOR. Ed. by Eberhardt K. Sauerland. 280 X 215 mm. Pp. 179 + xiv. Illustrated. 1978. Baltimore, Williams and Wilkins. $12.95. The review of an unfamiliar anatomy book often prompts a mental review of Departmental practice in recommending books for student use. With what anatomy texts should a student come armed? They must be judged in academic terms so that the text covers the syllabus and yet be commensurate with resources i.e. the price must be right. Ideally dental students ought not to be asked to buy books in which much space is devoted to the limbs and pelvis which they will not need to read. The dental market is a small one so one might have to compromise on this aspect of coverage. Should then the ideal anatomy text also be a dissection manual or be closely linked to a dissection manual instead variety.
available separately? For economic reasons students of a text book despite their teachers’ advice. After
often choose to buy a dissection manual all text books are available in libraries in
Journal of Dentistry, Vol. ~/NO. 4
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL CROWN AND BRIDGE THERAPY. By H. R. Thorn. 260 X 185 mm. Pp. 312 + xiv. Illustrated. 1976. Philadelphia, Saunders. g20.00. The author of this book, Dr Harold Horn, is evidently one of those rare beings (depending on which side of the dental fence one sits)-an academically minded practitioner, or a practically minded academic. Whichever, or both, this book is clearly the distillation of a wealth of practical expertise and scientific inquisitiveness. The recurrent theme throughout the text is the need to protect the vitality of teeth and supporting tissues, by the use of atraumatic techniques and biologically acceptable materials. It is as a consequence of this emphasis that eight of the sixteen chapters (126 pages) are devoted to aspects of cementation, and particularly to the use of EBA fortified Zinc Oxide cements, which are dwelt on at length. Other chapters deal, in varying depth, with such matters as aesthetics, impression taking and prevention. Dr Horn has read widely and discerningly, and each chapter contains recent references, together with many facets of original and stimulating thought. The appendix is particularly good and contains details and formulations of proprietary materials that may normally be gleaned only with great difficulty. Plastic ‘cosmetic veneers’ are described in Chapter Five and seem to this reviewer to be potentially harmful, but, this apart, no exception can be taken to the factual content. As in many American texts, no constraints appear to have been placed on the author in respect of space, and the book is liberally illustrated both with photographs and large clearly drawn line diagrams_ The author’s distinctive literary style may best be illustrated by quotation: ‘The oral environment. . . is referred to both as a disaster area, and a torture chamber for materials’ (p. 140). ‘Few males, or females, walk past a mirror without a sly glance’ (p. 70). ‘AII smiles involve some degree of widening of the mouth’ (p. 75). ‘The tincture of tenderness’. (hopefully not applied to)-‘The intimate insides of tooth structure’. (i.e. the pulp) (pp. 17 and 59). This idiomatic prose will deter some readers, but for me served to stamp the individuality of the author upon the text, with the result that the first few chapters were eminently readable, holding an unfulfilled promise for the rest of the book. Alas, the liberal availability of space mentioned earlier has led to a relaxation of literary discipline and the wealth of information contained within the text is martialled and remartialled not only between chapters but within chapters and even paragraphs. This stultifies what is an illuminating, but could so easily have been a thoroughly enjoyable book. Amongst the illustrations are several line drawings of little merit, such as the incomprehensible ‘triad of evaluation’ (p. 8). Similarly, many photographs are almost completely uniformative (pictures of bottles, containers, and various materials on glass slabs). Dr Horn assumes the reader to have a basic knowledge of crown and bridge techniques, and for this reason the book cannot be recommended for junior students. Senior students and qualified dentists should find, at a price, much that will stimulate both thought and discussion. I. E. Barnes
A COLOUR ATLAS OF PERIODONTOLOGY. By J. D. Strahan and I. M. Waite. Pp. 144, 262 X 195 mm. Illustrated. 1978. London, Wolfe Medical Publications. f12.00. This book is the fourth dental title in the series Wolfe Medical Atlases, which the publishers claim ‘brings together probably the world’s largest systematic published collection of diagnostic colour photographs’. The material for this atlas has it seems, been derived from the slide collection at the Eastman Dental Hospital and with only a couple of exceptions, the colour reproduction and the clarity thereof is superb. The book does however, fail to satisfy the expectations promised by the title and more particularly, by the most attractive cover. The initially favourable impression of a fine array of clinical photographs, proves to be neither as comprehensive as the title suggests nor that well balanced. Thus for example, the section dealing with frenectomy and gingival grafting procedures, both of which have very limited clinical applications, span twelve pages. In contrast the very commonly practised flap procedures and osseous therapy, which such an atlas should cover in great detail, enjoy only a page more. A disproportionate amount of space has been devoted to occlusion and splinting, but the section on gingival enlargements and mucosal lesions, which deserves to be one of the highlights of such an atlas, is weak - the authors simply exonerate themselves by pronouncing that field to be beyond the scope of their book! A further failing is an imbalance between the clinical material presented and the invariably much too detailed legends to the photographs and in many cases, also the text. The reasons for these shortcomings one suspects, is perhaps quite understandably, simply a lack of suitable clinical material. It seems that this deficiency is bolstered up in places by the inclusion of superfluous follow-up clinical photographs which
Book Reviews
345
add little to the theme under discussion and indeed, in some instances introduce irrelevant and somewhat distracting issues. A number of the clinical cases shown are incomplete and the lengthy legends and many of the line drawings which ought to be complementary, almost appear as substitutes for the lack of appropriate clinical material. The book thus lies somewhat uneasily between a pictorial atlas of periodontics. which it purports to be, and a new hybrid, that of a particularly well illustrated periodontal mini text book. What it has to offer in the former is infinitely more preferable and desirable for dentistry; that of the latter is rather questionable as there are already an adequate number of texts all telling much the same familiar therapeutic tale of over a decade ago. The most obvious solution to the dilemma which will inevitably face the authors in the preparation of the second edition, will be to incorporate the required additional, and in some cases improved substitute material as appropriate, from other institutions. A really fine British Atlas would thus emerge. Such a text would prove to be extremely useful to all students and GPs, providing access to truly realistic reproductions of clinical situations which would otherwise never be encountered. The other alternative would be to expand and up date the text considerably, delete many of the illustrations and produce certainly the finest illustrated periodontal text book. There are numerous points in the text with which inevitably, many would not agree but as this is essentially a colour atlas it would not be appropriate to dwell upon them. One might however, point out the several quite misleading references, in the legends to the clinical cases, of the excellent standard of oral hygiene that has been achieved; whereas this is not so, as is so clearly shown by the presence of marginal inflammation that is revealed, somewhat ironically perhaps, by the faithful colour reproduction which characterizes this book. In conclusion, despite its shortcomings, this book represents a commendable effort at a difficult task. It is reasonably priced and even in its present form, will gain a well deserved place in the periodontal literature. J. B. Kieser
EPIDEMIOLOGY. ETIOLOGY AND PREVENTION OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES: A report of a WHO Scientific Group. 200 X 140 mm. Pp. 60. 1978. Geneva, WHO. Sw.Fr.6. $3.00. This small booklet, of just 60 pages, reports on the findings of the WHO Scientific Group that met late in 1977. It represents an excellent resume of the current knowledge of the nature and extent of periodontal disease, its prevention and the basic principles of its treatment. It puts the role of periodontics in dentistry as a whole into proper perspective and will dispel many of the unfortunately still commonly held misconceptions that prevail It will prove to be an invaluable introduction for all students and is as such strongly recommended as basic reading prior to embarking upon the standard texts. Periodontal disease remains one of the most widespread diseases of mankind, despite the fact that it is one of the few for which evidence is available on effective methods of prevention. Even in countries with highly developed dental services, only a fraction of the disease problem is recognized and treated. Implementation of the concepts presented in this report will do much to rectify this unacceptable state of affairs and should be noted by all concerned with dental health. J. B. Kieser
GRANT’S DISSECTOR. Ed. by Eberhardt K. Sauerland. 280 X 215 mm. Pp. 179 + xiv. Illustrated. 1978. Baltimore, Williams and Wilkins. $12.95. The review of an unfamiliar anatomy book often prompts a mental review of Departmental practice in recommending books for student use. With what anatomy texts should a student come armed? They must be judged in academic terms so that the text covers the syllabus and yet be commensurate with resources i.e. the price must be right. Ideally dental students ought not to be asked to buy books in which much space is devoted to the limbs and pelvis which they will not need to read. The dental market is a small one so one might have to compromise on this aspect of coverage. Should then the ideal anatomy text also be a dissection manual or be closely linked to a dissection manual instead variety.
available separately? For economic reasons students of a text book despite their teachers’ advice. After
often choose to buy a dissection manual all text books are available in libraries in