Endodontics

  • C.J.R. Stock,
  • R.T. Walker &
  • K. Gulabivala
UK: Mosby price £120, pp 324 ISBN 0723432031 | ISBN: 0-723-43203-1

This is the third edition of the immensely popular text that started life as A colour atlas and text of endodontics. It is written by three well known clinically-orientated endodontists and this background is reflected in the pragmatic and detailed accounts of new endodontic techniques and theories. The text is lavishly illustrated with over 1,400 illustrations, many in colour.

The book aims to lead undergraduates and GDPs logically through the subject of endodontics. It achieves this starting with chapters on the rationale for treatment, pre-operative considerations, preparation and obturation of the root canal then finishing with more complicated scenarios such as perio-endo lesions, cases requiring surgery and retreatment. Finally, details of restoring the endodontically treated tooth and endodontic treatment of primary teeth are covered as well as medico-legal issues.

The logical progression of the book makes it easy to read and the illustrations more often than not add to understanding of various concepts. The authors have obviously consulted widely on the content of the book and this has paid dividends. In particular, I liked the authors' concentration on infection control and the biofilm nature of endodontic infection; and their coverage of new concepts in endodontics including ultrasonics, greater taper nickel titanium files and thermoplastic obturation techniques.

In summary this book is a good overview of contemporary endodontics and would be useful to undergraduate students as well as GDPs, particularly if considering updating endodontic knowledge. Good overviews are provided of perio-endo considerations, root resorption and restoration of the root-treated tooth that would also be useful as a summary to the postgraduate student.