Clinical periodontology and implant dentistry, 5th edition

  • J. Lindhe,
  • N. P. Lang &
  • T. Karring
UK: Wiley-Blackwell price £145.00; pp 1340 ISBN 9781405160995 | ISBN: 978-1-4051-6099-5

This is the fifth edition of a well known textbook written by Jan Lindhe with over 55 internationally respected contributors. It initially began as a periodontology book and later expanded to encompass implants. It arrives as a rather lavish two volume hardback set comprising a staggering 1,340 pages. Volume 1 deals with basic concepts and volume 2 moves onto more clinical concepts.

The index is well laid out and helps to locate specific information if required. Volume 1 has sections such as anatomy, micro-biology, epidemiology and pathology, which are further sub-divided into chapters. Most chapters begin with fundamentals and quickly move on to more advanced concepts. These are well presented and the text itself is easy to read. Also, almost every page within this book has a diagram or colour illustration to aid the text. Numerous references are quoted and the bibliographies allow for ample extra reading should one wish to.

Most of the basic topics are dealt with such as histology of various oral structures, periodontal pathology and associated factors. Some of these more basic chapters can be sparse however, for example with chronic periodontitis only being seven pages in length. Considering how complex this subject is I'm surprised at its lack of detail. There are also some unusual (and topical) chapters covered such as periodontal disease as a risk to systemic disease, and motivational interviewing, which were both very interesting to read.

The clinical topics are extremely well dealt with. Complex procedures are logically explained through text and illustrations. Potentially confusing topics such as antimicrobial therapy are also dealt with in a clear and concise manner. One of the criticisms of earlier editions of this book was that implants were not incorporated well enough. This appears to have been rectified with implants appearing appropriately even in some of the very early chapters. Implants themselves are well covered with at least nine chapters related to them specifically. Most chapters will have some cases presented along with pictures, radiographs and the surgery involved shown which will be of help to those beginning implant placement.

This is a comprehensive textbook for periodontology and moderately so for implantology and this combination is highlighted by the high price. It is useful to those at all stages of their undergraduate career which extends to those in specialist practice, research or those with an interest in implantology.