Book Review
British Dental Journal 197, 162 (2004)
Published online: 14 August 2004 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4811533
Atlas of Tooth and Implant Supported Prosthodontics
L Howe
Books, videos, cd-roms, dvds and any other relevant items submitted for a review in the BDJ should be addressed to: Mike Grace, Editor, British Dental Journal, 64 Wimpole Street W1G 8YS
BOOK REVIEWED - Atlas of Tooth and Implant Supported Prosthodontics
- Ed. L.A. Weinberg
- Surrey: Quintessence, 2003: 220 pp.
0867154276
This extensive textbook has as its aim 'to describe practical, step-by-step procedures for tooth and implant supported prosthodontics that will improve long-term success'. It is more than a conventional atlas as there is a significant amount of text that is essential to read fully to appreciate the photographs and diagrams. With many years' experience, the author has developed a series of techniques to predictably control and develop the occlusion for cases requiring conventional and implant supported restorations. His strongly held belief that this will enhance long-term stability and success of restorations underpins most of the text and is to be strongly applauded.
Strangely the text starts with a detailed chapter on tooth preparations for porcelain veneers and anterior full crowns. This chapter feels out of place with the rest of the text. Further chapters then provide background information on articulators, occlusal concepts and the biomechanics of tooth and implant support.
The main thrust of the book is the difference in support and stability between tooth and implant supported restorations and the way these will interact when used in combination in the same restoration or reconstruction. Detailed instructions are given regarding occlusal adjustments to prevent implant restorations from being overloaded. The author favours the placement of moveable joints between implants and teeth if these need to be linked in the same restoration. Several recent research papers have shown that such connectors may raise complications and ideally implant and tooth supported restorations should be independent.
Finally, there are several chapters on the clinical procedures for the construction of various implant restorations and the componentry available to the clinician. As with most textbooks the problem of manufacturers continually updating and changing their products has resulted in many of the illustrations showing components no longer available.
The quality of the illustrations is high and each chapter is referenced. This book is surely aimed at those heavily involved in implant reconstructions and as such will have a limited market.
