Practical clinical endodontics

  • P. Lumley,
  • N. Adams &
  • P. Tomson
UK: Elsevier price $39.99, pp 109 ISBN 0443074828 | ISBN: 0-443-07482-8

This book is part of the Dental Update series, and is intended for primary care dentists, junior hospital dentists and dental students. It is a concise résumé of contemporary endodontics in 109 pages. It is profusely illustrated with radiographs, colour pictures and colour diagrams. These clearly demonstrate the clinical skills of the authors. Some of the radiographs have not reproduced well which will be a disappointment to the authors.

The structure of the book is sound, starting with the scientific basis, progressing through history and examination, covering root canal treatment in detail, considering root canal retreatment separately and concluding with surgical endodontics. For the busy practitioner the book provides the opportunity to update on current views in clinical endodontics. However, dental students although finding it useful for revision may wish to consult a more detailed source.

In view of the rapid changes in root canal instruments over the last decade, one can wonder whether some of the detailed technique described with specific rotary file systems might not become outdated rapidly. It is difficult for experienced practitioners brought up on hand instruments to let go, and embrace rotary instruments with enthusiasm. Although the authors recommend rotary instruments, they appear to do so rather cautiously.

It is good to see a chapter devoted to root canal retreatment. When treatment fails, it can usually be managed by retreatment rather than extraction or surgical endodontics. Specialists have gained particular expertise in root canal retreatment, and this book shows a range of problems that have been successfully managed by retreatment. As specialists spend relatively little time on surgical endodontics, the space devoted to the subject in this book seems more than necessary. It would be good to discourage junior hospital dentists from undertaking surgical endodontics, as the authors rightly point to the often poor outcome with traditional techniques. It is pleasing to see stress on the contemporary approach including the use of ultrasonic root-end preparation, but disappointing to see mention still of handpieces for root-end preparation, even if the authors have highlighted the risk of root perforation!

In summary this is a useful book for the busy practitioner, and the authors are to be congratulated.