15 February 2023

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Book review: Endodontics by Dr. Arnaldo Castellucci

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Arnaldo Castellucci’s textbook, entitled "Endodontics" (Edra Publishing, Palm Beach Gardens, FL), was released in 2022 and represents an exhaustive review of the specialty. This 40-chapter text spanning two physical volumes is rife with detailed clinical photos, radiographs, and diagrams that serve as guides for the reader through the concepts.

The book is organized through the process of nonsurgical root canal therapy (NSRCT), with the early chapters covering biology and diagnosis, the bulk of the text covering the procedure itself, and the final chapters reviewing unique clinical situations (i.e., resorption) and other treatment modalities (i.e., surgery). A unique aspect of this textbook is the detail it goes into reviewing many commonly used endodontic systems, such as including entire chapters dedicated to ProTaper Gold, WaveOne, and other file systems.

The first 10 chapters provide a background and rationale for NSRCT. Specific chapters review the history of endodontics, biology of tooth development, indications and diagnostic considerations, indications for NSRCT, diagnosis of pulpal and periradicular status, radiography, and anesthesia. The chapters are wonderfully illustrated with schematics, photos, and case descriptions.

There are many clinical cases that help illustrate examples of when and when not to treat. The section on radiography is particularly enhanced with extensive description of digital radiography, including principles and applications of cone-beam computed tomography. Another notable feature is the description of etiology, management, and restoration of cracked teeth.

Chapters 11 to 30 focus on technical aspects of NSRCT. Specific topics addressed include tooth isolation, access, identification and negotiation of root canal system anatomy, management of obstructions, and obturation.

Of note is the extensive detailed description of many current file and obturation systems, some given individualized chapters. One of the best features in this section is the use of well documented clinical scenarios detailing anatomic challenges and how to approach shaping of these root systems. Some of these descriptions are quite thorough, with pictures detailing the manner of precurvature given to hand files and the methods of attaining straight line access. Overall, this section contains many clinical pearls that can be readily implemented into practice.

The final section of the textbook, chapters 31 to 40, covers a variety of more stand-alone topics, including but not limited to, endo-perio relationships, management of immature apices, retreatment methods, microsurgical endodontics, and restoration of endodontically treated teeth. An emphasis is placed in the retreatment section on the decision-making process between endodontic microsurgery versus nonsurgical retreatment, which should prove useful to many clinicians.

There is also a chapter devoted to the proper use of the dental operating microscope, with an emphasis on ergonomics and patient positioning. Collectively these last chapters serve as a catchall for many advanced endodontic topics.

The 2022 edition of "Endodontics" is truly a comprehensive, but easily accessible review of the historic, contemporary, and future trends in endodontics. The 2-volume set has something to offer everyone interested in endodontics, from predoctoral students to seasoned clinicians. Perhaps what most sets this text apart is the highly detailed review of contemporary clinical techniques, materials, and instruments. Although comprehensive in nature, one hopes for a future online edition of the text to allow it to expand as new file systems are introduced. The clinical images, diagrams, and online videos are exceptionally detailed, so that even an advanced endodontist may gain some clinical pearls from the enclosed clinical cases. The author carefully ensures that all material contained in the text is supported by evidence-based literature. Overall, this was an enjoyable text and should serve as an excellent reference for introduction to or review of the profession of endodontics.

By Nicholas F. Dybdal-Hargreaves, DDS, PhD* Zakery R. James, DMD
From the Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas

Address requests for reprints to Dr Nicholas F. Dybdal-Hargreaves, Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229.

e-mail: hargreavesnd@livemail.uthscsa.edu