At the forefront

  • H. Yoshie
(ed) Quintessence price £66.00; pp 108 ISBN 9780867155150 | ISBN: 978-0-8671-5515-0

This book is divided into two distinct parts. Part one explores advanced periodontology and tissue engineering and part two explores new discoveries in clinical science and operative dentistry. All researchers and clinicians are from Japanese universities and dental schools.

Each part of the book has 12 chapters on differing topics. Yet the topics are often connected to the previous topic, thus expanding your interest in the subject slowly and not overwhelming you with detail.

The first part looks at genotyping and identifying patients' susceptibility to periodontitis, as well as identifying periodontitis-related genes. It looks at a diagnostic system for periodontitis and analysis of saliva for periodontal diagnosis. Also explored is periodontal tissue regeneration and regeneration of periodontal structure. A radiograph of a bioengineered tooth in an adult mouse is presented, which is of particular interest as the consequences of this for dentistry in the future are exciting.

Periodontal disease is further explored relating to cardiovascular disease, pre-term low birth weight and diabetes. All topics are of interest to the general dental practitioner.

Part two looks at dentinal bonding, the effect of tooth whitening on tooth surface and laser whitening of teeth. The chapter on carious dentine and composite resin restoration states that postoperative sensitivity after placing composites is not an issue in Japan due to their preparation of cavities and the fact that Japanese manufacturers have made great advances in restorative material technology.

The book goes on to examine nerve injury, curable versus incurable, changes in mandibular canal morphology after tooth loss and morphological changes in the maxillary sinus in the edentulous maxilla; widening its interest to oral surgeons and implantologists.

What makes this book outstanding are the illustrations that make the subjects easier to understand. The illustrations are stimulating, encouraging you to explore the subject further. Usefully the articles are concise, which allows you to dip in and out of this book between patients.

As I teach students I find the book very useful for keeping one step ahead regarding current clinical science and research in dentistry. It is also interesting for dental foundation dentists; sparking interesting discussions relating to dentistry and the future paths emerging in dentistry. At the forefront is enjoyable and informative.