Color atlas of dental medicine: Periodontology

  • H.F. Wolf,
  • E.M. Rateitschak,
  • K.H. Rateitschak &
  • T.M. Hassell
Germany: Thieme Verlasgruppe price €199.95, pp531 ISBN 3136750039 | ISBN: 3-136-75003-9

Colour atlases are often seen as the 'coffee table publications' of the medical and dental literature and certainly here is a volume that could comfortably grace the finest coffee tables of the world. This is the third edition of a critically acclaimed book which has been revised and updated since the second edition appeared in 1989. It has also been considerably extended by 200 extra pages to make a total of 530. Indeed, even the description 'colour atlas' greatly undersells this book, which includes sizeable text sections to accompany the wonderful illustrations and clinical photographs.

The book has comprehensive coverage of the field of periodontology. It is divided into 12 main sections detailing aetiology and pathogenesis, classification and types of disease, principles of periodontal treatment, extensive coverage of all treatment modalities in periodontology, and a useful section on adjunctive therapies including orthodontics, prosthodontics and implantology. Within each section specific topics are dealt with, typically on two to three pages with appropriate clinical photos, radiographs, histology and diagrams. The revisions from the second edition are extremely extensive and concepts brought completely up-to-date. Although it would be difficult not to disagree with an occasional statement or aspect in such a comprehensive book as this, in general the line taken on the topics ranges from the traditional (eg modified Widman flap surgery or nonsurgical debridement methods) to the very latest ideas (eg IL-1 genotype testing). All of these are well presented and well balanced. The text is only lightly referenced which some might find disappointing in such a comprehensive book, but this probably helps to maintain the flow of the text. However, interestingly, a very comprehensive list of references (46 pages) are available online from the publisher's website free of charge, in addition to the bibliography within the book

The real beauty of this book is the 1870 figures and illustrations whose quality throughout is truly unsurpassed. This, together with the very high quality of the book production and the superb care that has been taken to assemble the contents make this a truly excellent volume. I cannot imagine any clinician with even a passing interest in periodontology not finding this book an absolute delight, and there is enough information to interest and satisfy the more specialist reader. I would strongly recommend you treat yourself to a copy.