Removable partial dentures

Edited by:
  • N.J.A. Jepson
Ed. Surrey: Quintessence, 2004 price £28, pp148 ISBN 1850970750 | ISBN: 1-850-97075-0

This book, designed to cover the fundamentals of removable partial dentures (RPDs) for general practitioners more than achieves its goal. The sensible, no nonsense approach combined with the excellent reproduction of both the clinical photography and illustrations should make the book a first choice text for dental undergraduates. Its small size belies the wealth of informed comment within.

Well written, the book deals with the dogma attached to partial denture design theory and proposes a straightforward step-by-step approach. I was particularly impressed with the first two chapters dealing with the rationale behind the provision of RPDs and more importantly 'not providing' a prosthesis. Dealing with the shortened dental arch concept early in a text of this kind is a welcome change of direction. It is particularly encouraging to see topics such as indirect retention and guide planes well explained and treated with a little caution. The goal of this text is to promote the use of simple functional designs, rather than a slavish reliance on mechanics.

The chapters titled 'Clinical Guides' are particularly good and well illustrated. The chapter dealing with acrylic-resin transitional partial dentures is very good. UK prosthodontists are particularly strong at applying the principles of biologically sound design to such prostheses. This is something that the foremost transatlantic textbooks should improve upon. I would have preferred a little less emphasis on the temporary nature of these prostheses. Admittedly many such dentures end up with immediate additions in poorly maintained mouths. However, there really is no sound evidence to support the idea that an acrylic-resin mucosa-supported denture would inevitably damage a well-maintained and regularly monitored mouth.

There are some minor glitches with the illustrations in this first edition. I am sure that figure 4.4a does not show what the caption hopes it does. The prosthesis in figure 4.2b has such a good appearance that it is difficult to discern what is artificial and what is natural tooth, therefore its impact is lost. Perhaps labels identifying the components would help? Similarly figure 3.12b is a little obscure. In addition, postgraduate students may find the further reading and referencing a little sparse. To be honest this is nit picking and would not stop me recommending this text.

I would therefore recommend this book as an excellent tool for CPD for the dental practitioner and a strong reference text for undergraduates.