Fundamentals of Operative Dentistry: A Contemporary Approach

This textbook is intended to blend traditional methods in operative dentistry with more contemporary approaches based on our greater understanding of basic biological processes and recent developments in dental materials and equipment. There are two principal underlying themes. The first is to provide a firm scientific basis for the concepts described; the second is the commitment to conservative dentistry. As was the intention of the first edition, the second describes techniques for the restoration of the health, function and aesthetics of individual teeth and the dentition as a whole. The second edition, however, is significantly more wideranging and in-depth than the first, with notable benefit to the entire text. Nearly 150 pages longer, many existing chapters have been updated and expanded. Five new chapters have been added including those related to aesthetic considerations, bleaching, root caries, fluoride-releasing materials and cast gold restorations. The revised chapter on caries management is a significant improvement and is a credit to its authors. The 21 chapters each have their own contributor(s) and comprehensive reference section. The text itself is supported throughout with a comprehensive range of well presented illustrations, many of which are in black and white, although replacement of some of the original schematic figures in the first edition by colour in the second, significantly enhances the text. The colour clinical pictures are of impressive quality. Other chapters include a thorough review of biologic considerations, treatment planning, pulpal considerations, nomenclature and instrumentation, adhesion, direct and indirect restorations and restoration of endodontically treated teeth, amongst others. Each chapter follows a logical approach and would be easily understood by both undergraduate and postgraduate students and the experienced clinician. For example, the section on direct anterior restorations first considers aspects of dental materials, then goes on to outline features of the carious lesion before addressing the approach to preparation. All chapters referring to clinical procedures have significantly benefited from being restructured and from the inclusion of colour illustrations. This textbook must be regarded as being an authoritative classic of its time and is a significant improvement on the first edition. It is a pleasure to read. In some respects, the individual chapters can be viewed as being discrete texts in their own right, yet are logically linked to create the complete volume. The basic principles are firmly established and used as a scientific foundation for the understanding and application of clinical techniques. Such an approach is the basis for life-long learning. Nevertheless, this is an up to date contemporary book, and many newer approaches and materials are covered. As a result, the experienced clinician would dip in, or the student could regard this as a basic text. In either way, this is an essential reference book and must be regarded as making a valuable contribution to the collection of every clinician practising operative dentistry. In the preface, it is proposed that, were he alive today, Dr GV Black would be leading advances in new technology and innovations in dentistry and that his memory should be honoured not by reference to concepts of the past, but by incorporating scientific innovations into our practices and dental school curricula. I am sure that he would support my recommendation of this book to you. A. Qualtrough [BR5002] Disability and oral care