Clinician's endodontic handbook (second edition)

  • T. C. Dumsha &
  • J. L. Gutmann
USA: Lexi-Comp price $34.95, pp 275 ISBN 1591950864 | ISBN: 1-591-95086-4

This handbook presents endodontics in a nutshell. It is not meant to be a substitute for the many textbooks that are available, but to be something that can be kept to hand for the busy clinician.

The authors are the well known collaborators of the excellent Problem solving in endodontics. With that in mind the handbook has been written not only from a good theoretical base, but also has a wealth of clinical information.

The format is similar to the conventional textbooks with 21 chapters covering the whole subject. Each chapter is clearly laid out with the information presented in a series of bullet points, making it very easy to scan the information quickly. In amongst the pages of text are 'Clinical Notes' which appear like 'Post-Its' and contain highly practical tips. These notes are invaluable as they have anticipated likely pitfalls for the clinician of lesser experience. At the end of each chapter there is a section on Frequently Asked Questions.

The clinical chapters abound with useful practical information from root curvatures described in the chapter on anatomy — to the correct way to use apex locators. The chapter on radiographic interpretation has a very useful list of radiolucent and radiopaque lesions and then goes on to describe each lesion. The authors are completely up to date in the rapidly changing field of endodontics, as demonstrated in the section that discusses advantages and disadvantages of digital radiography.

So who is the handbook aimed at? Primarily it is aimed at the busy clinician who needs to get to the important information quickly. It would make excellent revision notes for the undergraduate and postgraduate student alike. Similarly teachers of endodontics could benefit greatly from the clear layout of each subject. With the authors' 50 years of experience, even the seasoned specialist may just pick up one or two useful pieces of information.

It is a little surprising that the handbook contains no illustrations except those on the front cover. This was clearly a conscious decision by the authors and their skilful descriptions do to some extent obviate the need for visual images. However images can sometimes be a more effective tool of communication than the written word. Having said that, this handbook will be greatly beneficial to all dentists wishing to tread through the minefield of endodontics.