G. Olivi, F. Margolis, M. D. Genovese. UK: Quintessence price £112.00; pp 224 ISBN

9780867154948

This book is aimed at those readers who intend to purchase a laser unit, or those clinicians who already have laser technology in their practice and wish to develop its use.

Fifteen chapters are divided into five parts: Basic Science, Operative Paediatric Dentistry, Hard Tissue Laser Applications, Soft Tissue Laser Applications, and Laser Assisted Applications.

The opening chapter discusses the genesis of laser technology. While the initial plunge into the vocabulary of the laser enthusiast might frighten the novice, it is worth taking time through the early chapters. There is a wealth of information on the variety of laser units available.

Introducing the clinical use of lasers with paediatric patients, it continues with a discussion of analgesia and isolation. A section on preventative dentistry details, amongst other applications, the possibility of lasers reducing caries development by altering the structure of the outer enamel layer.

A chapter on restorative dentistry offers an impressive series of tables with protocols for laser unit settings and balances the pros and cons of laser versus conventional drill. The book speeds on through the use of lasers in endodontics, mentioning the full range of treatments common in the paediatric patient.

Soft tissue surgery is reviewed with a very practical description of the properties of the target tissues complemented by colour photographs illustrating the surgical procedures. This is developed further in a chapter on laser assisted treatments and low level laser therapy. These are areas that require further research.

Often the book reads like the authors' opinion. With sparse referencing in some places, it would benefit from a firmer evidence base. I feel it is very much the kind of book you would have as a reference, balancing on your knee as you practise on extracted teeth. In this regard the authors have succeeded. However, there is more work to do if this is to become a key text for users of laser equipment.