H. Katsuyama, S. S. Jensen. UK: Quintessence price £68.00; pp 232 ISBN

9783938947180

Following the success of earlier volumes, the International Team for Implantology (ITI) has produced their latest in the series. This is a comprehensive book exploring the topic of sinus floor elevation procedures. It is aimed at the clinician actively involved in placing implants, although any postgraduate surgeon would benefit from using this reference. The authors and editorial team are made up of leaders in the field of dental implantology.

The recommendations within are derived from the latest ITI consensus conference, 2008, along with the current published evidence. Around half of the total pages are made up from 13 case studies used to illustrate various clinical scenarios. These are well-selected and engaging demonstrations of what the clinician may be faced with when placing an implant in the atrophied maxilla.

The two proposed techniques for maxillary sinus floor elevation – the transcrestal technique and the lateral window technique – are discussed throughout in different sections. The literature on these is reviewed, the surgical techniques described and recommendations on holistic patient treatment put forward. Whilst the finer details of this advanced area of dental implantology are explored, there is no neglect of the fundamentals of patient management. This includes the key anatomy, the relevance of patient history and the radiographical considerations.

One of the great successes of the book is the pleasing illustrations and their consistency. All of the clinical photographs, radiographs, schematic drawings and decision trees offer clarity and understanding. It has fine readability and is edited to the highest standard. With these features in mind, it certainly provides value for money. It meets the needs of the implant surgeon, serving as a valuable resource. However, this area of dentistry is rapidly changing and further research will likely impact on the text's ability to remain current.

I propose this book is the essential text on maxillary sinus floor elevation procedures. Not only an academic reference, it offers a pragmatic and didactic approach to clinical management.