S. Renfert, J. Giovannoli. Quintessence price £140.00; pp 259 ISBN

9782912550989

The foreword by Niklaus P. Lang highlights the increasing frequency of peri-implant diseases and the significance to dental professionals. The book comprises eight chapters, each separated into mini-sections.

The first chapter describes the pathogenesis of peri-implant diseases. The authors make comparisons and highlight distinctions between peri-implantitis and periodontitis.

Chapter two covers diagnosis. It offers the reader tips on assessment techniques, with well illustrated clinical cases.

Chapter three describes the prevalence of peri-implantitis, while the fourth chapter defines peri-implantitis. Early peri-implantitis described as an inflammatory lesion around an implant that has not yet established osseointegration, and retrograde peri-implantitis as that with an apical lesion. The aetiology, diagnosis, prevalence and treatment options are discussed.

Chapter five encompasses risk indicators. The authors illustrate local factors, including oral hygiene, foreign body and periodontal health, as well as general factors, including a history of periodontitis and genetics.

The next chapter is significantly longer than the others and describes different treatment approaches. Simply these can be categorised into non-surgical and surgical therapies. The non-surgical treatment involves mechanical therapy with specifically designed scalers, which can be supplemented with locally delivered antibiotics, lasers and airborne particle abrasion devices. Resective and regenerative surgical techniques including the use of bone substitutes and barrier membranes are brilliantly illustrated. Following this is a bibliography that features a review of the literature underpinning these treatment modalities.

Chapter seven describes soft tissue conditions associated with implants. The authors debate the need for keratinised mucosa and how this can affect oral hygiene, tissue recession and survival rate of implants. They also talk about gingival biotypes and the influence this has on aesthetics.

The final chapter concludes by discussing implant maintenance. It discusses self-performed and professional techniques and details biologic and biomechanic factors in implant failure.

This text was an enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it to fellow postgraduates, especially those directly involved in implant dentistry. Nevertheless, as implants are becoming more common all dental professionals should have knowledge in this field in order to justify appropriate referrals to colleagues. The text is complimented with superb clinical photographs and radiographs and is thoroughly referenced for further reading for those who wish. Overall, a satisfying and informative read.