Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Every practicing orthodontist needs to have a working knowledge of the diseases that affect the oral and maxillofacial complex.

The second edition of this excellent text is intended to meet that need. The book is basically a "comprehensive discussion" of the myriad of diseases that affect the mouth and surrounding areas. Since dental caries and periodontal disease are covered specifically in books devoted to those two common pathologies, they are generally not discussed in detail in oral pathology texts. The present authors follow that practice, but their coverage of other diseases is extensive.

The basic organization of the second edition is the same as that of the first, with subjects arranged into chapters describing "disease processes of a similar source". Thus we see chapters on developmental defects, pulpal and periapical disease, chemical injuries, and so on. Edward Herschaft's chapter on forensic odontology is fascinating, even though few of us will ever be called upon to function in the role of oral and maxillofacial crime-scene investigators.

The most notable difference between the second edition and the first is the switch to full-color illustration throughout. It was an excellent decision, because the full-color illustrations enable the reader to more fully recognize and understand the disease entities under consideration.

The book is intended as a primary text for use in dental school curricula, but its comprehensive appendix will also function as an aid to the practicing clinician in the differential diagnosis of oral diseases. That makes this book an excellent reference for practitioners and students alike.

RGK