A. Lussi, T. Jaeggi (eds). UK: Quintessence price £51.00; pp 144 ISBN

9781850972181

This slim, hardback volume is aimed at any dental practitioner looking to learn in depth about dental erosion.

The abundance of excellent clinical pictures throughout the seven chapters makes this book an easy read and a thorough step-by-step guide through the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this common condition.

The first chapter is a short one-page introduction explaining the increasing occurrence of dental erosion and includes a checklist, which is printed on a separate loose sheet as well as in the book, allowing the reader to keep it handy during everyday practice. The other six chapters in the book go through the diagnosis of dental erosion, prevalence and localisation of erosion, aetiology and risk assessment, prevention, dental erosion in children and the restorative and reconstructive treatment of erosions.

The layout of each chapter is very clear, with key points highlighted in different colours and useful tables of information, allowing for easy reference. Most chapters end with detailed photographic case reports relevant to the topic at hand and this is especially useful in the last chapter. Here nine interesting cases are described using different methods for treatment. Direct composite reconstruction using splint technique, ceramic crowns, indirect resin composite overlays and veneers are all discussed in depth. The step-by-step approach to different techniques allows the reader to understand the practical steps necessary in providing treatment.

The chapter on aetiology and risk assessment makes for interesting reading as the authors present dietary information in tables for comparison. There is also an example questionnaire to assess dietary habits that would be very useful for any practitioner aiming to treat this disease preventatively.

I would recommend this book to dental students and young practitioners as a handy guide to diagnose and prevent dental erosion in both adults and children, with plenty of information to broaden clinical skills in treating dental erosion. It would be a welcome addition to any dental library.