Book Review

  • Thomas Kvist
Springer; 2018 price £109.99 pp. 136 ISBN: 9783319572482 | ISBN: 978-3-3195-7248-2

This book aims to provide an all-inclusive guide to apical periodontitis in root-filled teeth. The main focus of this book is on retreatment methods, both surgical and nonsurgical. Written by renowned academics and specialists primarily in Sweden, the book is predominantly aimed at specialist endodontists, or those practitioners with a specialist interest in the subject.

This hardback book consists of ten manageable chapters which are organised in a logical fashion. Each chapter starts with an abstract giving an informative overview. They are then further divided through the use of subheadings. After the introduction, chapter 2 focuses on the epidemiology of the pathology with a thorough analysis of the types of studies performed. The authors then take the reader through considerations that need to be made before commencing treatment; aetiology (chapter 3), consequences of the disease process (chapter 4), diagnosis (chapter 5), and clinical decision making (chapter 6). Chapters 7 and 8 focus on the methods of surgical and nonsurgical retreatment. I found that the quality photographs and radiographs helped bring these topics to life and gave the reader an appreciation of the complexity of such treatment. Chapter 9 discusses the prognosis of such treatment. Chapter 10 explores the role of prosthodontics post extraction as an alternative to endodontic retreatment.

Throughout the book the most up-to-date evidence is reviewed. I immediately appreciated the quoted 'Benchmark papers' at the end of each chapter. A complete reference list follows which can guide the reader who is looking for a deeper understanding of the literature.

Although this topic is generally seen as a specialist area, I found this book informative and easy to read. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter give the book a personal feel. It is quite obvious that the contributing authors write not only with the evidence in mind, but with a wealth of clinical experience. All in all, this book provides an accurate discussion of the literature along with the current thought on the various approaches to endodontic retreatment.