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Valachovic R. W. and Lurie A G. (1980) Risk-benefit considerations in pedodontic radiology. Pediatr. Dent. 2, 128-146. Wall B. F. and Kendall G. M. (1983) Collective doses and risks from dental radiology in Great Britain. Br. J. RadioJ. 56, 511-516.
White S. C., Kaffe 1. and Gornbein J. A. (1990) Prediction of efficacy of bitewing radiographs for caries detection. Oral Surg. Oral Med. Oral PathoJ. 69, 506-513. Wundram E., Marthaler T. M. and Lanker H. (1988) Verweildauer primarer molarenfullungen bei schulern in abhangigkeit von karieszuwachs und kariesprophylaxe. Schweiz. Monatsschr. Zahnmed. 98, 731-731.
Book Reviews Removable Partial Denture J. D. Walter. Pp. 120. 1990. Journal. Softback, f 12.95.
Design, 2nd edition. London, British Dental
Dental Occlusion and the Temporomandibular Joint. A. Gerber and G. Steinhardt. Pp. 143. 1990. New Malden, Quintessence. Hardback, f 54.00. Precision Fixed Prosthodontics. M. Martignoni and A. Schonenberger. Pp. 580. 1990. New Malden, Quintessence. Hardback, f 130.00. Removable Partial Denture Design is the second and enlarged edition of the booklet formed from a collection of seven articles originally published in the British Dental Journal 10 years ago and provides a valuable update on current thinking and trends. The topics covered by Dr Walter include all those aspects of planning which should be given due consideration if patients are to be provided with partial dentures which are both effective and biologically acceptable. The changes in outlook which have occurred in the past decade and now characterize comprehensive dental care are dealt with in a very practical fashion. The growing recognition of the role of the oral environment in the long-term outcome of partial denture wearing, and the ability of patients to cooperate and maintain this environment at a level which is acceptable for the desired prognosis are emphasized. The success of partial dentures still depends upon understanding all the complex factors which are related to the loading of both the hard and soft dental structures and Dr Walter explains in a very clear and readable way how this load may be distributed to those structures best able to cope with the stress. This book is a valuable means by which practitioners can review their approach to partial denture design, construction and maintenance in the light of recent developments. The authors of Dental Occlusion and the Temporomandibular Joint provide an interesting and challenging approach to the prevention and treatment of joint dysfunction and facial pain. They start with a brief history and appreciation of Gysi, the famous Swiss prosthodontist who pioneered the study of the relationship between excessive loading of the TMJs and the periodontium, mucoperiosteum and bone, and go on to discuss the normal anatomy and function of the joint. This introduction then leads on to disturbances of the TMJ and the diagnosis of various pathological
displacements occurring within the joint space. It includes a detailed discussion of causes, symptoms and therapies, with particular stress on the significance of the occlusion. The importance of radiological investigation is emphasized, and liberally illustrated with good quality photographs. There is a detailed description of diagnostic procedures, including a useful explanation of balance and balance deficit in the masticatory system. This is not a book for the undergraduate, but for the postgraduate and those who have an interest in and responsibility for treating TMJ disorders, it provides a comprehensive and useful addition to the existing literature. Precision Fixed Prosthodontics is a very large book that introduces both dentist and dental technician to the means and techniques available for their construction. It displays a wealth of information, supported by exhaustive research data relating to the manufacture of restorations. The authors demonstrate that a high level of accuracy can only be attained by achieving an optimal level of precision at all stages of clinical and technical endeavour and the use of operative stereomicroscopes is an indication of the levels to which they aspire. In studying the dentoperiodontal marginal relationship, consistent excellence can only be realized when the need for an accurate marginal seal and correct anatomical contour is satisfied. The book deals with each stage of the production of the restoration. The ultimate aim is to produce a physiologically perfect continuity between the remaining tooth substance and the new anatomy provided by the restoration. Lavish illustrations and photographs are used to take the reader through each stage from preparation to cementation. I was particularly interested in the section devoted to the biomechanics of the gingival margin in impression taking with the production of master casts with an artificially reproduced marginal gingiva around the prepared dies. This book is so detailed that in many respects it can leave the reader feeling a little inadequate. The authors demonstrate convincingly that failures in this exacting discipline are due to human error rather than to the limitations of either materials or techniques. The quality of the results depends almost exclusively on the dedicated attention to detail which both technician and dentist bring to their work, while those who choose easier, and often less precise means, will find this approach, exacting and unrealistic. R. T. Walker