Stephen F. Rosenstiel, Martin F.. Land and Junhei Fujimoto Elsevier price £108 pp 888 ISBN

9780323080118

The fifth edition of Contemporary fixed prosthodontics is a development of the previous edition of the same title and has been updated to reflect recent technological advances in the field of fixed prosthodontics. In particular, the authors comment on the significant changes to laboratory procedures since the fourth edition was published in 2006, nearly ten years ago. The fifth edition now incorporates cone-beam technology in implant planning as well as CAD/CAM techniques.

The book is divided into four sections: 'Planning and preparation'; 'Clinical procedures: Section 1'; 'Laboratory procedures'; and 'Clinical procedures: Section 2'. Within each section are between 3 and 13 subsections. The overarching structure mirrors the complete process of providing a fixed prosthesis; from assessment, planning and clinical preparation to communication with the laboratory, laboratory procedures, and finally, cementation or fit.

As you would expect, the 'Planning and preparation' section provides guidance in comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning. 'Clinical procedures: Section 1' covers tooth preparation for a variety of materials and restorations, as well as restorative-led implant planning and placement for single and multiple tooth replacement. The 'Laboratory procedures' section is a particularly useful and instructive part of this text. Techniques ranging from casting or milling of working models to the making of wax patterns by hand or CAD/CAM are well described. Relevant and up-to-date materials science is covered in a clinically useful way and helps the clinician to appreciate some of the challenges facing their dental technician. As with the rest of the book there are colourful diagrams and photo series which guide the reader through the procedures step by step.

The final section of the book is concerned with evaluation, finishing and cementation of restorations and includes diagnosis of common faults and how to correct them. There is also a chapter dedicated to post-operative care and includes options when there are failures related to caries, periodontal disease, occlusal dysfunction, pulpal complications and prosthodontic components (eg, debonding and materials fracture).

Overall, this is a comprehensive, well-illustrated, practical reference text for both the specialist and general practitioner with an interest in prosthodontics. The 'study questions' at the end of each subsection would also prove useful for undergraduate and postgraduate clinical students interested in testing and improving their knowledge.