The 1986 Dental Annual.

The 1986 Dental Annual.

J. Dent. 1986; 14: 89-91 Printed in Great Britain 89 Stafne’s Oral Radiographic Diagnosis,.5th edn. J. A. Gibilisco. 260 X 180 mm. Pp. 536. 198...

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J. Dent.

1986;

14:

89-91

Printed

in Great Britain

89

Stafne’s Oral Radiographic Diagnosis,.5th edn. J. A. Gibilisco. 260 X 180 mm. Pp. 536. 1985. London, W. B. Saunders. Hardback, f29.50.

chaired by Ralph Phillips, should perhaps be singled out because of its critical coverage of the literature covering many aspects of restorative dentistry. This section is essential reading for all clinicians whether within or outside the specialty. There are 309 references for those wishing to pursue the literature in more detail. In relation to composite resins, a subject which is also covered in depth in a separate excellent chapter by Asmussen (Copenhagen), the authors of this report criticize some publications They state: “The literature is replete with studies that have little or no correlation to clinical behaviour and this occurs annually. Furthermore these questionable studies are continually reviewed and discussed, even though they may confuse the issues rather than resolving them.. . . Dental editors might be encouraged to be more selective in the articles they accept for publication and possibly the waiting time could be reduced considerably for those authors whose work needs and deserves to be before the profession as quickly as possible.” The stimulating chapter on unsolved problems in oral cancer reviews our present knowledge in relation to squamous cell carcinoma of the oral mucosa. In conclusion, the authors question how great a proportion of current technological resources should be directed towards treating today’s patients and how great a proportion should be aimed at preventing tomorrow’s patients. A number of chapters present information which, although not noticeably different from that which can be obtained from standard textbooks, nevertheless provides condensed well-written refresher courses. The section on stomatology is presented in the form of five actual case histories, with details of complaint, differential diagnosis, investigations, management and discussion for each one. The role of forensic odontology in the ‘Australian Dingo Baby Case’ is a chapter which is certainly topical in the light of further facts which have recently become available. Although it is perhaps unfair to criticize individual contributors in a book of this nature, it should be mentioned that there are some statements in the chapters related to dental prosthetics which some prosthetists may disagree with. In conclusion, this is a book which will provide stimulating reading for all members of the profession whatever their particular interests R. 8. Winstanley

Book reviews

Stafne’s Oral Roentgenographic Diagnosis first appeared in 1958. Three subsequent editions appeared over the next 17 years and the scope of the book was extended by grafting, rather uncomfortably, oral radiography on the end. Stafne himself died in 1981 while preparing this latest edition which now has an eponymous, and updated, title, but the new editor, formerly the associate, has found it necessary to call upon the assistance of 1 1 of his colleagues at the Mayo Clinic. The continued existence of this book is without doubt a tribute to its founder and his remarkable collection of radiographs accumulated over 50 years. However, the enquiring student will find there are certain limitations. For instance, panoramic radiography is now more than 15 years old, yet most of the extra-oral radiographs reproduced are oblique lateral jaws. Both text and references are often outdated. There is reference in the chapter on caries, written by Stafne, to both susceptibility and immunity but not to remineralization, and there are only two references, the most recent 1948. Temporomandibular joint, admittedly a difficult area, has been rewritten by Gibilisco but is hardly adequate at a time when there have been rapid and significant advances, based on careful radiographic studies, in our understanding of both internal derangement and the arthroses. Perhaps the editor, in preparing the sixth edition, will consider adding four further chapters on the principles of radiological diagnosis, differential diagnosis of radiolucent lesions in the jaws, image perception and risk-benefit analysis. Until that time this book has a worthwhile place on the library shelves but the fourth edition will also suffice. P. N. Hirschmann

The 1988 Dental Annual. Edited by Donald D. Derrick 234 x 156 mm. Pp. 294. Bristol, Wright Hardback f 18. 50. This annua publication is perhaps the only one which covers a wii(e variety of dental disciplines in one single text It there ‘ore enables the general practitioner to update himself in m,ny fields and the specialist clinician to update himself in fields other than his own. Relevant reference lists are provided in most sections for those who wish to pursue further reading in a particular subject There are contributions from workers in many countries, the majority being from the USA and the UK Subjects covered include composite resins, periapical change, forensic odontology, clinical photography, bioceramic materials for periodontal osseous defects, ore-facial pain, mandibular anaesthesia, restorative dentistry, alveolar ridge augmentation, caries research, oral cancer, ethics in dental research, cryosurgery, partial dentures, social science and dentistry, vertical dimension and occlusal registration in the edentulous, stomatology, local anaesthesia and dental implants The Report of the Committee on Scientific Investigation of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry,

Minor Oral Surgery, 3rd edn. Geoffrey L. Howe. 234 x 158 mm. Pp. 428, 1985. Bristol, Wright Softback f 12.50.

illustrated.

A student learning about minor oral surgery and performing these.procedures on the first few occasions needs a book from which he or she can revise the details and precautions essential to success and the safety of the patient It takes a teacher of substantial experience to appreciate the needs of the undergradute at this stage of his course, and few have the gift of writing about their subject with directness and simplicity. An understanding of the needs of students and clarity of explanation are a feature of Professor Howe’s Minor Oral Surgery