Book reviews

McCracken’s Partial Denture Construction Principles and Techniques. By Davis Henderson, B.S., D.D.S., F.A.C.D., and Victor L. Steffel, D.D.S., F.A.C.D. Ed. 3. St. Louis, 1969, The C. V. Mosby Company. 476 pages with 304 figures, including 646 drawings and photographs. Price $15.50.

The late Dr. William L. McCracken in the preface to his first edition stated very well the purpose of the text in these words: “It is my sincere hope that this textbook will be used not only by teachers of prosthetic dentistry, but also by practicing dentists and dental techni- cians and that in this book the dentist and dental technician may find a common meeting ground for better solution of the problems associated with the partially edentulous patient.”

The book presents an orderly logical connectedness of successive chapters which together lend themselves to a complete volume of continuity and completeness in the field.

Terminology is covered in the first chapter and the authors have used the new nomencla- ture of prosthodontic terminology to minimize confusion and help the reader better under- stand the authors’ written words. References to three sources of material in obtaining the terminology are provided. The word usage described in Chapter I is used throughout the text.

This third edition stresses the importance of diagnosis and treatment planning and prep- aration of the mouth to receive the removable partial denture. Emphasis on this phase of partial denture construction is well developed and is expanded beyond that found in earlier editions.

Special effort has been placed on obtaining clearer communication between the dentist and the dental laboratory technician in solving the problems associated with the partially edentulous patient. A new chapter-“Work Authorization for Removable Partial Dentures”- has been added. It clearly defines the responsibilities of the dentist and the laboratory tech- nician.

Dr. John J. Sharry has a chapter-“Miscellaneous Partial Prosthodontics”. In it, tech- niques for treating cleft palate and maxillary hemisection patients are discussed. Particularly good is the chapter which discusses preparation of abutment teeth which includes the making of crowns and inlays to fit existing denture retainers. The chapters about the various com- ponent parts of restoration and initial placement adjustment and servicing of the removable partial denture are clearly presented. The non-chairside laboratory procedures are thoroughly presented.

The bibliography has been revised and up-dated. Selected references include textbooks in the field and a list of published manuscripts interestingly arranged according to their subject headings.

The book has many new illustrations. The chapter on retainers is well done. The section on roentgenographic interpretation is quite detailed with regard to bone density and quality; however, it does not inform the reader of the generally accepted bone height necessary for abutment use. Several methods for establishing occlusal relationships for removable partial dentures are described. The authors feel the functional technique provides the best method for establishing occlusal harmony with the natural teeth. Its inherent limitations are that the bases must be stable, excessive occlusal contact must be avoided, and occlusal stops need be present in the existing dentition. Chapter 8 discusses rests and rest seats very well. Rules for determining the width and length of rests to the coronal anatomy may be helpful.

Drs. Henderson and Steffel are to be commended for producing this improved third edi- tion of McCracken’s Partial Denture Construction Principles and Techniques. The new writers are authors and educators as was Dr. McCracken. The volume is written in a language that can be understood by all who are interested in removable partial dentures, whatever their level of education or background.

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242 Book reviews J. Pros. Dent. February, 1970

It is a textbook, the scope and depth of w-hich provides the information necessary for the orderly and intelligent rationale of treatment of partially edentulous patients who need re- movable partial denture restorations, It is, therefore, recommended that it be in all libraries that contain books and periodicals on dentistry and that it be used as a reference and text for general dentists, prosthodontic specialists, dental undergraduate students, graduate students in prorthodontics, as well as a directive for dental laboratory technicians.

CHESTER PERRY, D.D.S., MSG., F.A.C.D. CARL FISCHER, D.D.S., MS.

Essentials of Periodontology and Periodontics. By Torquil MacPhee, B.D.S., F.D.S., R.C.S. (Edin.), and Geoffrey Cowley, B.D.S., D.D.S. (Edin.), Oxford, 1969, Blackwell Scientific

Publications LTD. 226 pages, iilustrated, indexed.

The purpose of this book is to evaluate the present state of knowledge of periodontology and to propose a program of patient care based on an understanding of concepts and attitudes rather than techniques.

The subject matter is presented in two portions. The first five chapters are devoted to summarizing knowledge of anatomy, histology, microbiology, and other scientific disciplines which pertain to the oral organ and its environment, generally, and the periodontium in health and disease, specifically. The remaining eight chapters contain a classification and description of specific and nonspecific forms of periodontal disease, and an evaluation and indications for types of treatment.

The style of writing is free flowing and easily read. Illustrations are numerous and generally good in quality, however, at times the illustrations show changes which misdirect the readers attention from the specific points the authors wish to make. The quality of the printing and binding is good.

The authors chose to present a complex subject which deals with every phase of dentistry; then they directed the readers attention to a basic body of knowledge which they believe will equip the reader to understand and treat periodontal disease. They are effective in presenting a large amount of information in succinct detail, as in their discussions ef the periodontium, acute specific gingivitis, and flap surgery.

Patient care is divided into a hygiene phase to reduce infection, a corrective phase to change tooth relationships and correct tissue relationships by surgery, and a maintenance phase to prevent recurrence of disease. The approach of the authors differs with the existing periodontal literature in some respects. As a generalization they recommend completion of the restorative portion of therapy prior to periodontal surgery. They believe that detailed examination of pocket morphology at the initial treatment planning stage is unnecessary duplication of work, and it is sufficient to define the lesion as limited to superficial tissues suitable for one kind of treatment or involving bone and requiring another type of treatment. The detailed diagnosis and prognosis is made during treatment. Full mouth radiographic examination is not recommended unless the patient is rated to have more than early resorption of the alveolar crest.

CHARLES W. SOLT, D.D.S., M.S.

Dental Photography. By C. P. Adams, M.D.& F.D.S., D. Orth. Bristol, 1968, John Wright and Son, Ltd. The Williams & Wilkins Co., Baltimore, exclusive U.S. agents. 78 pages, illustrated, indexed. Price $9.00.

The author of this book recognizes the need for dentists to better understand photography so that they can use it. It is the first purpose of this book to discuss methods for obtaining photographs of subjects close up, and to consider the equipment available and its limitations for clinical dental work.

The design and construction of suitable equipment for clinical dental photography is dis-