Book review

First published in 1960, Sakaguchi et al's textbook on restorative dental materials is now on its 14th edition, which is a measure of the success of previous editions. It is also a reflection of the need to keep abreast of developments in this ever and quickly changing subject.

The book is comprehensive, featuring sections on the full range of restorative dental materials, and begins by putting their role into context. Useful and helpful sections follow on the fundamentals of materials science, materials testing and biomechanics, which are very readable and easy to understand. There is a chapter which deals with biocompatibility and tissue reaction to biomaterials before the authors go systematically through all classes of restorative dental materials used in both the clinic and laboratory. In the last three chapters, more contemporary techniques and materials are discussed, such as digital impression taking, CAD/CAM and orofacial implants.

The text has been updated and revised to take account of the newer materials and technologies, in particular biomaterials and tissue engineering. It is a little surprising what subject matter has been included and omitted. The section on dental amalgam has rightly been reduced to reflect the phase down of this material in many countries across the globe. However, quartz-tungsten-halogen curing lights are discussed in depth, whereas more emphasis could have been placed on the now more commonplace LED units. There was also a lack of information on the tricalcium silicate cements such as MTA. These products have revolutionized endodontics since their introduction and their usage continues to increase apace. This may illustrate the point that textbooks are out of date before they are published!