Book Reviews
Contemporary
Orthodontics,
4th ed.
William R. Proffit, D.D.S., Ph.D.;
Henry W. Fields, Jr., D.D.S., M.S.,
M.S.D.; David M. Sarver, D.M.D.,
M.S.
St. Louis: Mosby/Elsevier, 2006.
751 pp., illustrated, indexed
$125 hardcover; $175 E-dition
(2007)
ISBN 978-0-323-04046-4
Reviewed by:
Dr. Robert Shaye
Dr. Shaye is Professor and Chair of
Orthodontics, University of Missis-
sippi Medical Center, School of Den-
tistry, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson,
MS 39216; 601-984-6110; rshaye@
sod.umsmed.edu.
December 2007  ■  Journal of Dental Education
Students, residents, and practitioners of orthodontics will be ex-
tremely pleased with the arrival of the fourth edition of William Proffit’s
Contemporary Orthodontics, coauthored by Henry Fields and David Sarver.
Since its initial appearance in 1986, this popular book has become the
orthodontic standard in undergraduate and postdoctoral dental education.
Indeed, it is the best-selling orthodontic text, used by most dental schools,
and has been translated into at least fifteen languages.
The reader’s first impression when perusing the text is the outstand-
ing quality of the new full-color design, which includes more than 1,400
clinical photographs and illustrations. In a side-by-side comparison of the
third edition with the fourth, it is remarkable to see how much the excel-
lent, newly added color reproductions help to improve the readability of
the book. The organization of the chapters, with basic material covered
first, followed by more detailed information, enables readers ranging from
students to specialists to grasp the contents in a systematic manner.
In the context of a rapidly changing orthodontic specialty, the ad-
jective “contemporary” connotes a constantly moving target. The authors
nonetheless succeed in covering some of the latest innovations in the field.
For example, there are several cases illustrating the use of temporary an-
chorage devices. These are skeletal implants in the form of mini-screws
that can be placed into the alveolus, hard palate, or other bony areas in the
mouth to act as anchors from which elastics, wires, or springs are attached
to the teeth for force application. This technique negates the problem of
the undesired reciprocal tooth movement that has plagued orthodontists
since the advent of fixed appliances. Once the desired tooth movement
has been effected, the device can be easily removed.
Another highlighted topic is clear aligner therapy. Several pages, with
illustrations, explain the advantages, disadvantages, and fabrication process
of this widely debated approach to the correction of malocclusion. Other
topics of interest, comprehensively explained, include concepts of dentofa-
cial growth and development and an updated explanation of biomechanics
and retention. In a chapter on orthodontic treatment planning, ongoing
controversies concerning growth prediction, temporomandibular dysfunc-
tion, and the need for extraction versus non-extraction are discussed.
The final chapters are dedicated to adult treatment, which include
a subject seldom addressed in the orthodontic literature: psychological
considerations. The reader is cautioned that patients presenting with “in-
adequate personality” or “pathologic personality” may be difficult if not
impossible to treat. The book closes with a wonderfully illustrated series
of combined surgical and orthodontic cases—a subject that has earned
Proffit deserved prominence during his long career.
This book is also available in an “E-dition,” which supplements the
desk copy with a continually updated online reference at its own website.
Students and teachers will appreciate the E-dition’s searchable text and the
ability to download selected illustrations. During the preparation of this
review, four new updates were already posted to the website.
For residents, specialists, and other practitioners with an interest
in orthodontics, this new Proffit text will be an invaluable source of up-
1599

Mastering Digital
Dental Photography
Wolfgang Bengel, Dr.Med.Dent.
Chicago: Quintessence Publishing
Co., 2006.
394 pp., illustrated, indexed
$198.00 hardcover
ISBN 1850971528
Reviewed by:
Francis G. Serio, D.M.D., M.S.,
M.B.A.
Dr. Serio is Professor and Chair,
Department of Periodontics and
Preventive Sciences, University of
Mississippi Medical Center, School
of Dentistry, 2500 North State Street,
Jackson, MS 39216-4505; 601-984-
6115; fserio@sod.umsmed.edu.
1600
to-date information, especially in the E-dition format. Dental students
will be impressed with the myriad diagnostic procedures and therapeutic
modalities available to perform orthodontic treatment. Professors of or-
thodontics will be indebted to the authors for facilitating the teaching of
this complex subject.
“The learning curve in the digital world is much steeper [than in
the old silver halide world]. . . . Therefore, I have tried to compile a book
which is practically oriented.” These words from the preface to Dr. Bengel’s
seminal work hint at what is to come. He has done an expert job in both
creating a practical masterpiece and flattening the steep slope of the learn-
ing curve for dentists and other clinical photographers making their way
into the world of digital dental photography.
This book is divided into three logical sections: technical background,
practical procedures, and the digital workflow. The first section reviews the
basic components of photography, digital technology and techniques, and
equipment needs for both the semiprofessional and professional photogra-
pher. The second section is devoted to the approaches to making intraoral
and perioral images, portraits, images of small objects, dental casts, and
copying radiographs and slides. The section on digital workflow has exten-
sive information on image manipulation, editing, storage, and archiving.
There is a plethora of examples using Photoshop, PowerPoint, and other
software programs to obtain the finest images and presentations.
Dr. Bengel writes in an easy-to-understand way that is neither too
complicated for the neophyte nor patronizing to the veteran photographer.
Use the book as a primer or dissertation on the subject. It is copiously
illustrated with many full-color images and line drawings. As one would
expect from a book on this subject and from all of the books published by
Quintessence, these images consistently score an 11 or 12 on a 10-point
scale. The creativity shown in many of the images makes this an enjoyable
read for its artistic nature as well as for the technical information that is
presented. The book is well manufactured with high-quality paper that
enhances the reproduction of the images.
This is one of the few books that belong in every dental library
from the first-year student to the experienced specialist to the academic
health center library. The value of this book is well worth the price. As is
mentioned early in the book, “An image always lends authenticity . . . can
inform, and also engender emotions.” This is what we want our images to
convey to our patients, our colleagues, our students, insurance companies,
and, ultimately, ourselves.
Journal of Dental Education ■ Volume 71, Number 12
The Sinus Bone Graft,
2nd ed.
Ole T. Jensen, D.D.S., M.S., editor
Hanover Park, IL: Quintessence
Publishing Co., Inc., 2006.
366 pp., illustrated, indexed
$180.00 hardcover
ISBN 0-86715-455-1
Reviewed by:
Robert E. Rada, D.D.S., M.B.A.
Dr. Rada is Clinical Assistant Profes-
sor, Department of Oral Medicine
and Diagnostic Sciences, University
of Illinois College of Dentistry, 801
South Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60612;
rrada@uic.edu.
December 2007  ■  Journal of Dental Education
The publisher describes the second edition of The Sinus Bone Graft
as a completely revised and greatly expanded edition. This book’s purpose
is to summarize the pertinent research and describe all aspects of treatment
devoted to bone grafting of the maxillary sinus for prosthodontic rehabilita-
tion with dental implants. It is intended primarily for those clinicians who
perform these surgical procedures; however, it is also an excellent text for
clinicians who restore dental implants. It may be useful as well to basic
science researchers focusing on tissue engineering in order to build an
awareness of the prosthetic and surgical considerations in current clinical
sinus grafting techniques. The book is divided into four main sections: I.
Biologic, Biomechanical, and Prosthetic Considerations; II. Graft Sources
and Materials; III. Technical Variations and Auxiliary Procedures; and IV.
Looking to the Future.
In the first section are discussions on case selection, diagnosis and
treatment planning, indications and contraindications, basic surgical tech-
niques, and potential for complications. The second section contains an
excellent discussion on the various graft materials and barrier membrane
choices. These chapters nicely intertwine clinical expertise and evidence-
based research articles. The clinician interested in socket preservation or
ridge augmentation for a fixed partial denture would find these chapters use-
ful to study. In the third section, numerous clinical examples are presented,
including those capable of satisfying the more experienced clinician. For
example, osteotome techniques and zygomatic implants are presented.
Also in this section, a chapter is devoted to platelet-rich plasma and bone
morphogenetic protein as sources of growth factors. The fourth section
describes the potential for tissue engineering and bone regeneration. This
section is not completely based in the laboratory. Several clinical cases
are reported here as well.
The photography is excellent and quickly draws the reader to delve
into the accompanying text. Throughout the book are detailed drawings,
many in full color, which serve to supplement the clinical photographs.
Boxes and tables are placed when necessary to highlight discussions that
are extensively detailed.
Although there are many radiographic images in the book, it would
have been interesting to see a section devoted to imaging modalities.
Panoramic, CT scanning, and MRI could all have been discussed in one
section. Considering the recent interest in cone beam CT, this would have
been a useful topic as well.
Overall, this book can be recommended to any clinician involved in
implantology. It is probably not a text for undergraduate dental students, but
oral surgery, periodontics, and select general practice residents will find it
to be a stimulating and thought-provoking text. It is written in a style such
that the reader can locate a chapter of interest and focus on a topic similar
to that of a literature review or case presentation article. Numerous experts
are called upon as there are over fifty contributors to this book. Whether
or not an individual would purchase this book depends on one’s field of
interest. It definitely should be included in a college’s library.
1601
 Orthodontic-Surgical
Treatment of Dento-
facial Anomalies: An
Integrated Esthetic-
Functional Approach
Paolo Ronchi, D.M.D.
Milan: Quintessenza Edizioni Srl,
2005.
304 pp., illustrated, indexed
$268.00 hardcover
ISBN 88-7492-101-2
Reviewed by:
Harry V. Precheur, D.M.D.
Dr. Precheur is Associate Professor
and Chair, Department of Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgery and Pathology,
University of Mississippi Medical
Center, School of Dentistry, 2500
North State Street, Jackson, MS
39216-4505; 601-984-6090;
hprecheur@sod.umsmed.edu.
1602
This book utilizes the author’s thirty years of experience in managing
over a thousand orthodontic-surgical cases to demonstrate the principles of
diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment, both surgical and orthodontic,
of dentofacial deformities with an emphasis on function and esthetics alike.
Ronchi stresses that the book is designed to avoid extended theoretical
explanations and strive for clarity and simplicity. This goal is achieved
by his straightforward, clearly understandable presentation of the subject,
accompanied by excellent diagrams and photographs from his cases.
Ronchi begins with a general discussion of the indications for com-
bined orthodontic-surgical treatment. He then proceeds with the diagnostic
approach to Class II, Class III, asymmetry, and open bite deformities and
offers examples of his methods of documentation. There is a discussion
of lateral skull and A-P cephalometry, with emphasis placed on correcting
function and esthetics rather than bringing cephalometric values within
normal ranges. Each anomaly’s orthodontic treatment is then addressed in
view of the position of the incisors, transverse arch coordination, midline,
canine symmetry, and the curve of Spee. Surgical procedures of the man-
dible and maxilla are then presented accompanied by illustrative diagrams
and clinical pictures. Consideration is given to soft tissue changes, and sur-
gical approaches to the nose, zygoma, and mentum are discussed. Surgical
simulation, postoperative care, and common problems and complications
are also discussed. The final chapter presents and discusses thirty-three of
the author’s cases to demonstrate the types of anomalies and their treatment.
The book is accompanied by a DVD that brings the text alive.
In the preface, the author modestly states: “I hope that this work will
be a simple and practical tool for study and consultation for anyone who
treats patients with dentofacial anomalies—if this work helps only one col-
league to better understand one aspect of treatment or avoid a mistake, then
I can say that I have truly achieved my most important goal.” I think that
Ronchi can rest assured that he has achieved his goal. This book presents
an opportunity for anyone interested in treating these patients to learn from
an accomplished clinician with many years of experience.
Journal of Dental Education ■ Volume 71, Number 12
Principles of
Operative Dentistry
A.J.E. Qualtrough, J.D. Satter-
thwaite, L.A. Morrow, P.A. Brunton
Ames, IA: Blackwell Munksgaard,
2005.
182 pp., illustrated, indexed
$49.99 paperback
ISBN 1-4051-1821-0
Reviewed by:
Dr. Scott M. Phillips
Dr. Phillips is Associate Professor,
Department of Care Planning and
Restorative Dentistry, University of
Mississippi Medical Center, School
of Dentistry, 2500 North State Street,
Jackson, MS 39216; 601-984-6030;
smphillips@sod.umsmed.edu.
December 2007  ■  Journal of Dental Education
Principles of Operative Dentistry is meant to supplement the tra-
ditional operative text. Its purpose is to help students gain a greater un-
derstanding of and competency in the operative dentistry and endodontic
techniques learned preclinically. The book hopes to enhance the clinical
decision-making skills that are vital to patient management.
The book begins with the basic principles of dentistry. Ergonom-
ics, dental assistant utilization, patient examination, caries, and moisture
control are reviewed and established as building blocks for subsequent
topics. Direct restorative principles, basics of endodontics, and indirect
restorations are covered in concise detail. Further considerations in end-
odontics and indirect restorations are also discussed. The final two chapters
include the topics of maintenance of the restored dentition and a look into
evidence-based practice.
The book does a good job of simplifying the topics covered in each
chapter. Its intent to give the assimilating dental student a supplement to a
more detailed technique-oriented text is accomplished. It provides a good
outline of each topic. Short, terse descriptions and details expose readers
to topics, which they can then fully research in the scientific literature or
more detailed texts. The book thus serves effectively as a guide to further
learning. The chapter on principles of endodontics, for example, discusses
inter-appointment medicaments. It briefly describes the several choices
available, but gives no information on how to apply these inter-canal medi-
caments. The specific application techniques must be acquired from another
source. The topic does make the reader aware of the options, which may
then motivate him or her to conduct research in order to make an informed
clinical decision. This stimulation of self-learning will, hopefully, result in
the evidence-based dental practice described in the final chapter.
In the final chapter’s informative overview of how to have an evi-
dence-based dental practice, the author discusses how the practitioner goes
from uncertainty to developing a clinically relevant question, searching
and evaluating the relevant evidence, and evaluating its possible use in his
or her practice. The chapter reviews various information sources, noting
their advantages and disadvantages for identifying evidence. This process
is necessary in directing the new learner to appropriate sources of relevant
information. The chapter also provides the web addresses for searchable
databases and tells what types of information are best found at each site.
Instruction in different types of research study designs and their uses, as
well as hints and tips for using the databases, is something many dental
students don’t receive in traditional coursework. This chapter may thus
be the most important chapter in the book because it provides tools for
developing the skills needed to make decisions based on evidence, thus
improving clinical practice.
This book has an easy-to-read format. It does not become over-
whelming with tedious technical information; rather, it concisely covers
the information on each topic and provides supporting references, thus
allowing the reader to decide which areas to further explore. This style is
an asset in holding readers’ attention and preventing them from getting
bogged down in information overload. These are especially important
features, given the intended audience. The student, new dentist, or allied
dental practitioner will benefit the most from this book. For the educa-
tor or practitioner who routinely reviews scientific literature or conducts
research, it may seem too basic.
1603

Bone Biology, Har-
vesting, and Grafting
for Dental Implants:
Rationale and Critical
Applications
Arun K. Garg, D.M.D.
Carol Stream, IL: Quintessence
Publishing Co., 2004.
279 pp., illustrated, indexed
$158.00 hardcover
ISBN 0-86715-441-1
Reviewed by:
Roger B. Johnson, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Dr. Johnson is Professor, Depart-
ment of Periodontics and Preventive
Sciences, University of Mississippi
Medical Center, School of Dentistry,
2500 North State Street, Jackson,
MS 39216-4505; 601-984-6115;
rjohnson@sod.umsmed.edu.
1604
The chapters are well organized and build on each other in a logical
order. Black and white illustrations are limited, but drawings and figures,
which are clearly labeled and easy to follow, are more numerous and of
excellent quality. The text is available only in paperback, but is sturdily
bound and easy to navigate. Its price is very affordable.
I would recommend this book to dental students and new dentists as
a perfect quick reference guide for their professional libraries. Knowing
what is available to a clinician and how to evaluate the relevant questions
raised is invaluable to any practitioner. The sooner the student or new
dentist learns how to evaluate these situations, the better the care they will
provide to their patients. Evidence-based dentistry is the foundation for a
successful practice, and the earlier it is acquired, the more the benefit to
the public is realized.
The purpose of this book is to present the biological rationale for
harvesting of bone from one area of the oral cavity for grafting to another
area. The book describes how to perform those procedures, when to do
them, and what makes them successful.
The book begins with an extensive overview of bone biology, re-
modeling, and osseointegration. In addition, it includes a comprehensive
review of materials and recommendations for use of the proper material
for various clinical situations. A section on bone harvesting provides step-
by-step instructions for surgical techniques for bone harvest and describes
potential complications of harvesting bone from various areas of the oral
cavity and the tibia. Augmentation and elevation of the maxillary sinus,
alveolar ridge, and nasal cavity are also described. The book concludes
with a review of the growth factors currently available for bone grafting
to support dental implants and those being investigated for possible fu-
ture applications. Guidelines for the use of adjuncts, such as platelet-rich
plasma, to enhance bone healing are also included.
The strengths of the book include its step-by-step approach to the
techniques, which are described in a logical, sequential order. These
techniques are illustrated with numerous, high-quality color diagrams
and clinical photographs. The author’s writing style is concise and easy
to read; the tables are also useful and easy to understand.
The book is intended for the advanced clinician in periodontics and
oral and maxillofacial surgery. It could also be appropriate for hospital-
based dental residents interested in implantology, as well as academic
surgeons. Overall, I was very impressed with this textbook, especially the
clinical photographs, which would be very useful for training residents
to perform bone-harvesting procedures. I recommend the book to those
interested in bone-harvesting techniques for either clinical procedures or
biological research. Since the book would probably be only occasionally
used by individuals, a communal copy would be a valuable addition to a
departmental, school, or hospital library.
Journal of Dental Education ■ Volume 71, Number 12
Indirect Restorations
David Bartlett and David Ricketts
London: Quintessence Publishing
Co. Ltd., 2007.
157 pp., illustrated, indexed
$54.00 hardcover
ISBN 1-85097-078-1
Reviewed by:
Daniel N. Reed, D.D.S.
Dr. Reed is Associate Professor,
Department of Primary Care,
The Ohio State College of Dentistry,
305 West 12th Avenue, Columbus,
OH 43218; 614-292-5578;
reed.172@osu.edu.
December 2007  ■  Journal of Dental Education
Indirect Restorations is one of the fifty-volume series known as the
Quintessentials for General Dental Practitioners Series. The stated purpose
of this book is to present an overview for dentists and students on the
diagnosis, preparation, impression, and delivery of indirect restorations.
This book is not meant to be a definitive text.
The authors have compiled a succinct collection of information that
is well written and very easy to read. They have compressed and minimized
the material to prevent overlap in chapters and to help with the flow of the
book. One of the most impressive parts of the text deals with failures of
restorations, primarily due to caries. A discussion on caries risk factors is
unusual but welcome in a book that deals with fixed restorations.
Probably the most disappointing portion of the book is the photos
of some of the dentistry. Compared to several other books I have read on
crowns, the quality from an aesthetic standpoint is not very impressive.
Shade matching and characterization of restorations are not very well
done. Even polishing of metal occlusals of the porcelain-fused-to-metal
crowns looks dull and rough.
One other shortcoming of the book involves the title. This is a book
about crowns. While it mentions inlays and onlays briefly, it does not men-
tion any fixed partial dentures or implant crowns. The authors do state that
they have not included these in the book since they are covered in other
books in the Quintessentials series. Still, if one were purchasing this book
online, the reader would not know this.
The text portion and some of the illustrations in this book would be
very helpful as an introduction to crowns for dental students or a dentist
who has been out of clinical practice for a while. However, I do not believe,
based upon the limited scope of the book and the esthetics problems with
the photos, that it would be of great benefit to the general practitioner or
dental educator.
1605