Manual of minor oral surgery for the general dentist

  • K. R. Koerner
UK: Blackwell Munksgaard price £49.50, pp 336 ISBN 0813805597 | ISBN: 0-813-80559-7

This is an American text with the stated aim of providing the general dental practitioner with a practical guide to oral surgery procedures that are performed daily in general dental practice. The editor is a general dental practitioner working in private practice limited to oral surgery. He is an international lecturer and has been teaching clinical courses on oral surgery to other dentists in the United States since 1981. He has brought together nine other contributors of varying seniority and backgrounds from the United States, all sharing many pearls of wisdom gleaned from years of experience and training, to increase readers' confidence and competence.

The ability to carry out minor oral surgery procedures can be a daunting task for the busy general dental practitioner and is something which is under taught at undergraduate level. This often results in referrals to secondary or specialist centres. This book provides a good starting point for someone with an interest in oral surgery trying to increase the amount of surgical work they carry out. It also presents more advanced procedures for those experienced dentists wishing to develop professionally.

The book is divided into 11 chapters, each of which is very clear, concise and well-referenced throughout. They cover a wide range of clinical techniques from surgical extractions, the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, pre-prosthetic surgery, endodontic peri-radicular microsurgery, surgical crown lengthening and biopsy. Each clinical procedure described is richly illustrated with clinical photographs, diagrams and radiographs which help the reader to visualise the treatment described. However, some techniques are not covered in enough detail to allow the reader to carry out the clinical procedure and surgical periodontal treatment has been completely omitted.

Supportive topics included are patient evaluation and case selection, management of post-operative complications and the use of anxiolysis for oral surgery. The book also touches upon medico-legal recommendations and safety requirements needed in today's increasingly litigious society. The final chapter focuses on organising and conducting trips to Third World countries where the skills developed can be used. It aims to encourage more altruistic humanitarian service.

In summary, this is an excellent book supported by high-quality illustrations and appropriate text layout containing much sensible and practical advice. It would prove a valuable reference to all general dental practitioners who have an interest in oral surgery.