Orthodontic and Surgical Management of Impacted Teeth

VINCENT G. KOKICH, DDS, MSD
DAVID P. MATHEWS, DDS

188 pages, 590 illustrations (mostly color). $106. 2014.
Quintessence Publishing Co, Inc., 4350 Chandler Drive, Hanover Park, IL 60133.

(800) 621-0387; www.quintpub.com.

The answers to three questions will determine the success of a business product: Does it improve results? Is it faster? Is it produced at a lower cost? You might wonder why I mention this in a review of a book about impacted teeth, but after youve read the spectacular new text by the late Vince Kokich and his periodontist colleague, David P. Mathews, you will understand. Impacted teeth are a major cause of extended treatment in orthodontics, actually forcing some practices to finish cases at their own expense. This encyclopedic examination of impacted-tooth scenarios will undoubtedly become my go-to resource for saving months in treatment, improving esthetic results, and ultimately reducing overhead costs for these patients.

Chapters are devoted to impactions of maxillary central incisors, maxillary canines (both labial and palatal), mandibular canines, premolars, and mandibular molars, as well as to complications and adverse sequelae. The authors explore five different types of impaction exposure: simple gingivectomy, apically positioned flap, closed eruption, open exposure, and surgical replantation. The impacted tooths buccolingual position and distance from the occlusal plane are discussed in relation to these exposures, along with the implications for attached epithelial levels.

Dr. Mathews' perspective on surgical exposures based on tissue levels creates a nice synergy with Dr. Kokichs approach to simplified orthodontic mechanics. Their explanations of exposure timing--allowing natural eruption whenever possible--and detailed photographs of finished results offer every clinician a chance to learn from their vast knowledge. I immediately thought of many patients in my practice who would have benefited from the procedures described here.

This direct and concise reference will be a perfect gift for the periodontists and oral surgeons you work with, making it a lasting memorial to Dr. Kokich and his passion for interdisciplinary treatment. Excuse me while I go order copies for the members of my interdisciplinary team.

ROBERT S. HAEGER, DDS, MS