J. Abe, K. Kokubo, K. Sato. Quintessence price £114.00; pp 292 ISBN

9784781202600

Removable prosthodontics is not the most glamorous and exciting element in restorative dentistry but we still need to be aware of latest developments in different techniques to aid our success. The authors recognised the difficulties faced when educating others about the suction effect for mandibular complete dentures and wanted to develop a user-friendly denture fabrication system. It looks at the biofunctional prosthetic system (BPS) and the use of a simple four-step technique to fabricate a suction effective denture.

The book confers and illustrates the fundamentals of removable denture prosthetics and BPS in a clear reproducible stepwise method before looking at the simple four steps to achieve the suction-effective complete denture. Each 'step' has a dedicated chapter with vibrant step-by-step images accompanying the content. The key difference I have attained from reading this book is the new approach in the technique for taking the preliminary impression. They have carefully designed a cut back tray that allows for specific anatomical features of the soft and hard tissues to be reliably recorded with minimal distortion, especially at the retro molar pad. A step we could pay more detailed attention to accomplishing correctly. The aim is for a more accurate denture form and suction effect. Throughout the book the authors emphasise the importance of teamwork and communication between the dentist and the dental technician and the importance of conveying the information required at each stage using the models. The concluding chapters are compiled of a number of challenging cases of both the edentulous mandible and maxilla with a final chapter on aesthetic enhancements. These cases are comprehensive and easy to follow.

With advances in implant dentistry, implant retained prosthesis are increasingly common. Yet this may not be a valid treatment option for many, as the construction of good mucosal borne removable prosthesis cannot be under estimated. This book introduces this novel technique and I look forward to trying out the steps discussed. Overall the book is a great resource for any clinician from the specialist prosthodontist to the eager undergraduate looking to improve their understanding of the anatomy of the soft/hard tissues of the mandible and maxilla and how to adapt denture fabrication to achieve good resulting suction dentures.