Periodontal medicine - a window on the body

  • I. L. C. Chapple &
  • J. Hamburger
UK: Quintessence price £48.00; pp 250 ISBN 1850970793 | ISBN: 1-850-97079-3

The aim of this book is to 'provide the reader with an illustrated approach to managing the oral consequences of systemic diseases that present within and around the periodontal tissues'. This A5 hardback book has 258 pages with 11 chapters and an index. It is well illustrated with a large number of high quality clinical photographs.

The two authors, both from the University of Birmingham School of Dentistry, are Iain Chapple, Professor of Periodontology, and John Hamburger, Senior Clinical Lecturer in Oral Medicine. The chapters are divided between the authors, each writing on the subject area closest to his speciality.

Each chapter starts with a clear aim and learning outcome. The first chapter explains how to establish a differential diagnosis for periodontal manifestations of systemic diseases. Chapter two looks at the role of clinical investigations. Chapters three to ten group the various conditions by the clinical appearance of the lesion: gingival colour changes, enlargements, ulceration and recession, and whether it is localised or generalised. The final chapter examines the conditions which are not readily categorised in this way.

The two chapters on gingival recession depart from the general concepts of periodontal medicine and systemic disease since many of the conditions cited in those chapters are a consequence of plaque-induced inflammation or physical and chemical trauma. Grouping the conditions by clinical appearance works well. Of particular use are the tables at the start of the chapters which list the conditions together with their frequency and the appropriateness of referral or management in general practice. This will undoubtedly be helpful for GDPs as a quick reference. Each of the conditions is discussed logically, generally under the headings of clinical appearance, symptoms, aetiology, differential diagnosis, investigation and management. Many of the conditions are accompanied by clinical pictures.

This volume contains enough detail to give its reader an insight into the diagnosis, investigation and management of non plaque-induced conditions of the periodontal tissues, without overburdening them with the additional information found in a more specialist book. Those studying for exams are likely to find this an easily accessible starting point for further study. There are a few minor errors present (eg the photographs for Figs 6-13a and 6-13b are transposed). However, these do not substantially detract from the high quality of the book. It will be a valuable addition to any GDP's library.