S. H. Jacobs, B. C. O'Connell. UK: Quintessence price £98.00; pp 280 ISBN

9781850971016

This book aims to provide the restorative clinician with a guide to treatment of patients requiring dental implants. It is clearly aimed at students or dentists with little or no knowledge of implants, and is a good starting point for those looking to expand their clinical practice in this area.

The text is divided into two parts, the first providing the theory and knowledge of implants, and the second a guide to the clinical procedures involved in restoring implants. I found this approach to work extremely well, allowing the authors to firstly describe in adequate depth and detail the principles involved in diagnosis, management and treatment planning without assaulting the reader with the practical protocols involved in the restorative phase of the treatment, the latter being described in a step-by-step manner in the second part of the book.

The introduction and opening chapters introduce the basics of implantology in a very controlled but holistic manner, starting with identification of the basic structure of an implant assembly and leading to patient education and treatment planning. A chapter has been dedicated to the theory of each stage of restorative treatment, with the authors doing very well to ensure all relevant topics are covered along the way. A brief discussion of the surgical aspect of implant treatment is also provided, with good notes on the requirements and procedures involved in the preparation of the surgical site with reference to both hard and soft tissue considerations.

The second part of the book provides an excellent step-by-step guide to the practical protocols involved in providing a definitive implant-retained prosthesis. Each type of prosthesis, categorised by abutment type, single versus multi-unit restoration, and cement versus screw retention, has been afforded its own chapter, facilitating a very clear and easy to follow set of instructions. The written description of each step is supplemented by an illustration, which are of excellent quality throughout the book. I can say without doubt that a better and clearer protocol would be extremely difficult to produce. My only criticism of this book is that at times it does not identify where nomenclature used may vary from those used by the clinician, and in a book aimed at those with little knowledge in the area, this can on occasion cause some confusion.

I can have no hesitation in recommending this book to any clinician aspiring to restore implants, or those who are looking for a refresher in the principles of implant-retained prostheses. It may be, however, that its length will popularise it more with students seeking a deeper understanding of theory before embarking on treatment. There is no doubting there is much else to read, but as a starting point this book is quintessential in implant education.