Implantology in general dental practice

  • L. J. Searson,
  • M. Gough &
  • K. Hemmings
UK: Quintessence price £28, pp 102 ISBN 1850970548 | ISBN: 1-850-97054-8

The authors state that the aim of this book is to 'provide general dental practitioners with a concise introduction to dental implantology...' Accordingly, they have produced a compact, straightforward textbook that would be very beneficial to those with limited knowledge of implantology.

Each chapter commences with its aims and expected outcomes and is illustrated with radiographs, colour photographs and diagrams. The first chapter opens with a historical overview and then differentiates the subperiosteal, transosseous and endosseous systems. There is a valuable outline of implant hardware design including surface characteristics and implant components. The factors influencing osseointegration are described in detail.

The chapter on case selection discusses the reasons for tooth loss and the options available for tooth replacement. This section seems a little unnecessary for the qualified practitioner.

Patient assessment and treatment planning is reviewed along with advanced imaging techniques. The chapter on surgery details surgical anatomy, the principles of implant positioning and illustrates first and second stage surgery. The prosthodontic aspects of implantology including impressions, occlusal registration and temporisation are summarised and the implant alternatives for partial replacement and edentulous cases outlined. There is a chapter on advanced cases including bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration and maxillofacial prosthodontics. Chapter seven covers the common complications of implant treatment.

Implantology can be very confusing for the uninitiated. All too often textbooks can be overly complicated with insufficient information on the basics. The strength of this book lies in its succinct clarification of implantology. It concentrates on the clinical considerations, omitting extensive detail, thereby providing an excellent synopsis of the subject. This book will answer many of your implant related questions that you have always wanted to ask but never dared!