This book places pulp and dentin where they should be in restorative dentistry: at the center of attention. A basic understanding of the pulp-dentin complex is presented and its response to intraoral insults and restorative procedures described. The author starts by explaining the structure and physiology of these dental tissues and then transfers this knowledge to clinical practice, providing practical information and emphasizing a biologic approach that will optimize restorative treatment. Supplemented with numerous histologies, this book is a must-read for students and restorative dentists alike.

ISBN: 0-86715-412-8
978-0-86715-412-2 , 9780867154122

168 pp (softcover); 283 illus (158 color)

Contents
1 Normal Structure and Physiology
2 Initial Reactions to Tooth Preparation
3 Pulpal Inflammation and Its Sequelae
4 Dental Caries: Characteristics of Lesions and Pulpal Reactions
5 Clinical Management and Tissue Changes Associated with Wear and Trauma
6 Reactions to Restorative Materials, Tooth-Restoration Interfaces, and Adhesive Techniques
7 The Exposed Pulp

Contributors
Lars Bjørndal, DDS, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Cariology and Endodontics, University of Copenhagen, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
Marco Ferrari, MD, DDS, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Dental Materials, University of Siena, School of Dentistry, Siena, Italy
Karin J. Heyeraas, Cand Med Dent, Dr odont, Professor, Department of Physiology, University of Bergen, Faculty of Medicine, Bergen, Norway
Ivar A. Mjör, BDS, MSD, MS, Dr odont, Professor and Academy 100 Eminent Scholar, Department of Operative Dentistry, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Gainesville, Florida
Odd B. Sveen, LDS, MS, PhD, Associate Professor, Eastman Department of Dentistry, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York

Preface

The predoctoral dental curriculum devotes considerable time to teaching the basic sciences. Consequently, predoctoral dental students possess detailed knowledge of the basic structure of tissues and the interaction between ultrastructure, physiology, biochemistry, and tissue responses involved in pathologic and immunologic reactions. Special courses on basic science topics outline their applications to the dental tissues. When students prepare to enter the preclinical and clinical part of the curriculum, they are naturally anxious to apply this knowledge in their future careers. Unfortunately, their anticipation is soon stifled by an emphasis on technical details too often not rooted in basic science. While these details constitute essential elements in the practice of dentistry, they have emerged from decades of clinical experience and often lack a scientific foundation.

It is the aim of this book to apply the knowledge gained from the basic science component of the dental curriculum to the clinical practice of restorative dentistry. By more fully integrating basic science and clinical experience, we can improve the care we provide to our patients. Moreover, such interchange can serve as a foundation for enhancing new restorative materials and techniques. It is my hope that this book will bridge the gap that currently separates the two parts of the traditional dental school curriculum. Both students and practicing clinicians can benefit by better understanding the pulp-dentin complex and its role in restorative dentistry.

I am indebted to many individuals who gave me the stimulation and encouragement I needed to embark on the compilation of data on the biology of restorative dentistry. The basis for this interest dates back to my own dental school days, where I had the great fortune to have teachers who had a keen interest in basic science. I have also been fortunate to hold responsible positions in fields as diverse as anatomy and dental material science. These experiences, coupled with my active engagement in organized dentistry at the highest national and international levels, have been exciting and have promoted my devotion to basic science and its application to clinical dentistry.

I am particularly grateful to four individuals, Drs Lars Bjørndal, Marco Ferrari, Karin J. Heyeraas, and Odd B. Sveen, who agreed to contribute to the text by coauthoring four of the seven chapters. Dr Harold R. Stanley, to whom this book is dedicated, provided the foreword and much of the inspiration for writing this book. Many individuals willingly provided illustrations and allowed me to review some of their unpublished research material to enhance the text; they are recognized in the figure legends. I would also like to acknowledge the timely review by Dr A. J. Smith, chairman, and Dr Peter Murray, University of Birmingham Oral Biology Unit, of all manuscripts as they were prepared for publication in Quintessence International. Close collaboration with my editor at Quintessence, Ms Arinne Dickson, made it possible to complete this project in a relatively short time.

The book was written during my sabbatical leave from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. I am grateful for support provided by the university and the Research Council of Norway. The Scandinavian Institute of Dental Materials (NIOM) and its faculty and staff provided excellent office and laboratory facilities and the optimal environment for the completion of this project.


Review

Pulp biology is a particularly complex area and this book is a particularly well laid out and easy to understand publication. It is very detailed and represents the best of our current understanding of the subject matter.

This publication will be invaluable for students of dentistry and will also be of interest to experienced dentists with an interest in pulp biology and how it relates to restorative dentistry. It is detailed enough that post-graduate students would also benefit from this work.
Dr. Mark Evans, Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch Newlestter

© 2002