R. E. Marx, D. Stern. UK: Quintessence price £325.00; pp 1008 ISBN

9780867155129

This updated second edition provides a comprehensive reference for oral and maxillofacial specialists and related professionals with over 500 new colour photographs, updates on treatments and management of over 400 conditions and diseases, including more recent internationally recognised diseases such as bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis, not incorporated in the first 2003 publication. The text is presented over two cased volumes making it a more manageable and practical reference source given the length of the text.

Eleven chapters over the two volumes cover a vast array of topics from the more commonly seen diseases and lesions such as candidosis to those less prevalent such as verrucous carcinoma. These are ordered in a surgical sieve like classification approach covering a range of topics from inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, and immune-based diseases to fibro-osseous diseases, salivary glands and pigmented lesions. A particularly interesting chapter is solely dedicated to osteoradionecrosis, detailing its prevention, management, treatment and guidelines for dental treatment before, during and post radiotherapy to the head and neck in a general practice setting as well as hospital. The opening chapter provides a useful introduction to biopsy principles and techniques, with the final chapters providing a guide listing outdated and new terms to prevent confusion over terminology and an interesting brief biography of 57 notable people who have influenced and contributed to the profession.

Each of the 425 conditions are described under several headings including: clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, diagnostic work up, histopathology, treatment and prognosis. This arrangement of the text allows for easy location of relevant information and for the reader to assess specific information as detailed or briefly as required. The treatment aspects vary from basic tests such as appropriate radiographs relevant to general practice to more complex specialist investigations and treatment including step-by-step clinical photographs on surgical management where appropriate. As an American publication some of the guidelines differ, such as the guidance from the American Heart Association on prescribing prophylaxis for infective endocarditis for at risk patients.

This 30.7 cm × 28.4 cm × 8.1 cm hardback textbook containing 2,700 images including diagrams, histology slides, radiographs and photographs is a desirable reference guide to all things oral and maxillofacial. The text is especially appealing to maxillofacial surgeons and those on a training pathway alongside general dental practitioners wishing to build upon and develop their knowledge using a well written comprehensive text.