Preservation and restoration of tooth structure

  • G. J. Mount &
  • W. R. Hume
UK: Knowledge Books and Software price £99.99 (£49.99 for dental students until 30 October 2006), pp 365 ISBN 192082474X | ISBN: 1-920-82474-X

The title of this book reinforces the most important concept of preservation of tooth tissue, which sometimes tends to be overlooked as we concentrate on techniques for restoring teeth. Emphasis is placed on minimal intervention and management of disease in the most conservative manner possible. This edition expands on changes occurring over the past 10 years. It would be useful to undergraduate and postgraduate students and also provides information for reference and updating knowledge for practitioners. As Professor Kidd says in the foreword it would be useful for 'students of all ages'!

The general layout of the book is well structured with many high quality illustrations, in particular the many excellent clinical photographs. A CD-Rom is available and images may be downloaded for teaching purposes. Material is also available on www.midentistry.org.

When exam time looms and the pressure is on, the 'be aware', 'note' and 'summary' boxes provide concise revision notes of important points. They also help to reinforce key information when reading the text.

The book runs through the structure of teeth and their supporting structures. The authors then consider disease dynamics and pulpal responses. There is an in depth review of dental caries and important consideration is given to caries risk assessment, the role of saliva and the balance between demineralisation and remineralisation. Preventive management is emphasised and the favouring of remineralisation by use of fluoride and CPP-ACP, along with reduction of the bacterial population by the use of chlorhexidine is encouraged.

After consideration of prevention, there is a techniques-based section on instruments used in cavity preparation including air abrasion, pulsed erbium lasers and chemo mechanical caries removal. Properties, including biocompatibility issues and use of dental materials are then considered. Black's cavity designs are discussed in view of current knowledge and the authors suggest a new classification based on the site and size of the lesion.

Protection of the pulp and vital pulp therapy are discussed and the difference between infected and affected dentine is highlighted. Although this tissue may be stained it is possible to remineralise this layer, rather than risk closer communication with the pulp. Atraumatic restorative treatment is discussed, along with periodontal and occlusal considerations in tooth restoration. The final chapter discusses failure of individual restorations and their management.

In summary this book covers many critical issues in restorative dentistry and is easy, interesting and enjoyable to read.