The book is divided into 13 chapters and is 132 pages in length — a comfortable read. It begins by examining the long-term success of the prosthetic and restorative rehabilitation of endodontically treated teeth. The book illuminates our comprehension of strength reduction by touching on subjects from moisture content to endodontic access opening
Chapter two classifies endodontic posts into two distinct groups: A) passively cemented cast post cores. B) passively cemented pre-shaped posts combined with restorative rebuilding of the coronal core. The post, according to the authors, becomes the radicular anchor for the core. All current post systems are reviewed.
The chapter on fiber posts outlines the philosophy, history and evolution of the fiber post systems. The authors point out that the evolution in post technology will be directly influenced by the development of bonding systems and resin cements. Differences in the manufacturing processes of posts can significantly influence their mechanical properties and thus their clinical performance. This chapter reviews the standards of the manufacturing components and points out how substitution of materials and poor quality affects clinical performance.
Our understanding of post surface bonding is enhanced with details about free radicals, which form part of the resin matrix and bond to BIS-GMA, a component of resin cements. The double taper quartz posts inspired by Sakal from the University of Montreal take centre stage as the forerunner of the anatomic post system, the latest generation in the evolution of posts.
The book is a cornucopia of information for the clinician who is struggling with more questions than answers on the current status of post and cores. The references, which follow each chapter, open up the subject to even more scrutiny. The quality of the paper stock, and the art reproduction is excellent. I enthusiastically recommend this text for all dentists, generalists and specialists, who wish to practice evidence based restoration of this unique sub-set of teeth.
Reviewed by Dr. Bruce Glazer.
