K. Gulabivala, Y. Ng. Elsevier price £113.00; pp 398 ISBN

9780702031557

This book has 17 chapters in four sections: rationale for disease management, preparation for delivery of endodontic treatment, delivery of endodontic treatment, and multidisciplinary aspects of endodontic management. Chapters begin with a helpful synopsis outlining aims and application of the content and are divided into smaller sub-sections with summarising tables and graphs to highlight important points. Chapters are also supported by referenced scientific articles for further reading.

Aimed at general dental practitioners and dentists with an interest in endodontics, this text provides an excellent step-by-step guide through clinical topics including assessment and diagnosis of endodontic problems, a helpful chapter on treatment planning and a comprehensive section on delivery of endodontic treatment, including management of treatment failure. Other sections include management of acute emergencies and traumatic dental injuries and management of tooth resorption. Discussion of endodontic procedures and guidance on treatment modalities are presented in an easy-to-follow manner, accompanied by more than 1,500 helpful illustrations, alongside colour clinical photographs and radiographs. Endodontics also covers multidisciplinary management, which is essential to consider when diagnosing dental disease. Chapters include discussion of the interface with periodontics, restorative dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, oral medicine and orofacial pain.

The strength of this text is providing a systematic, problem-solving approach to managing endodontic treatment, combining relevant best practice evidence with comprehensive explanations of current treatment methods and applicable clinical advice. A personal highlight was the discussion of management and avoidance of common endodontic pitfalls. This is a fairly extensive text and will require investing time to gain most value. However, I feel the well-organised layout also gives it merit as a reference for readers who wish to consult a specific aspect of endodontic management or clinical quick reference guide, or to browse periodically over lunch breaks.

Endodontics is a valuable resource for clinicians at all levels with an interest in this specialty and also for those looking for practical advice to improve their clinical practice.