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Written by a practising Dental Clinician and a Professor of Biomaterials, this very complete book has a comprehensive and evidence-based approach that gathers a broad range of expertise from all fields of Dentistry.
As a dental materials book not only does it cover the expected amalgams, resin-based materials, alloys, ceramics and impression materials, but also materials used in endodontics, temporization, prevention and periodontics, implants, bleaching and also cutting instruments.
It is divided into 5 sections: Section 1 begins with the ‘General Principles’ of dental materials and gives an insight into the oral environment where the various dental materials function, including biological effects and safety aspects. Also covered are the presentations of dental materials, the variability in terms of the performance in relation to the manipulation by different clinical staff of said dental materials and the role of the manufacturer in changing its presentation in order to minimize such operator variability.
Section 2 addresses ‘Direct Restorative Materials’, starting with a comprehensive review on the polemic, but also dental amalgam and its properties, advantages and disadvantages and the health and safety aspects of using dental amalgam. Other dental alloys are also discussed. Most of section 2 explores ‘Tooth-coloured Restorative Materials’, with a first part on ‘Resin Composites’, how their constituents influence its handling and its properties. All clinical applications, indications, contra-indications, limitations and how to achieve the best results is mentioned. The naming of some of the current available commercial products completes this first part.
The third topic in the ‘Tooth-coloured Restorative Materials’ section is ‘Glass Ionomer Cements’. Their properties are discussed and the different types, limitations and clinical indications. The ‘Resin-modified Glass Ionomers’ are the fourth and last part in the ‘Tooth-coloured Restorative Materials’ section, including defining what a ‘Resin-modified Glass Ionomer’ is and its main use in addressing the limitations of a conventional glass ionomer cement compared with the advantages of resin composite materials with improved aesthetics and wear resistance plus the benefits of the fluoride ion release.
Section 2 continues with ‘Bonding Systems’ and the principles behind them. Chemistry, properties, manipulation for their best effect, indications and contra-indications and currently available commercial products are considered as well as other more traditional dental cements. This section ends with materials used in ‘Endodontics’, from rubber dam, files, irrigants and fillers to temporization and all currently available commercial products.
Section 3 relates to the materials used in ‘Indirect Techniques’. It considers temporization materials, resins and cements, their goals, indications, contra-indications, as well as available materials, different types of impression materials, their properties, manipulation techniques and also materials for gingival retraction. Waxes and occlusal registration materials complete section 3.
Section 4 takes a look into ‘Other Clinical Materials’ like ‘Preventive and Periodontal’ materials such as toothpastes, antimicrobials and regenerative materials and Implants. There is also a mention on all cutting instruments and bleaching systems.
Finally, section 5 completes this thorough book, focusing on ‘Laboratory Materials’, from models and investment materials to alloys used in dentistry and dental ceramics. All polymers used in prosthodontics are covered in this final part.
In summary, this book is an exhaustive compendium that aims to cover all materials used throughout all areas of Dentistry, not just inside the surgery but also in the dental laboratory and at home by the patient. The book is extremely rich in practical examples and colourful detailed pictures and tables, with step-by-step guides to achieve the best results with each material mentioned. The self-assessment questions at the end of each section will help the reader to consolidate all knowledge obtained. It will be of great use not just to the experienced clinician, but also to the undergraduate dental student and postgraduate student alike in improving clinical success.