Handbook of Local Anesthesia, 5th Edition

With the advent of the miracles of the digital age, newer editions of old favorites seem to appear almost monthly, and many of them are just higher priced versions of the original with a few expanded chapters but add little real value for the reader. We purchase them just to “keep up.” The following reviews of 2 new editions prove that there are exceptions to every rule, and much can be gained by the evolution of a text by authors who are dedicated in taking their contributions to the next level. This passion to update, refine, and rediscover is a credit to the authors and a gift to the student in all of us. I refuse to believe that I am growing older. Perhaps that is why I cannot believe there is already a fifth edition of Handbook of Local Anesthesia, but there is. Stanley Malamed's newest revision of his classic and reference text is not merely a reissue of age-worn materials but, in my mind, is the best iteration of the text since the first edition was released over 25 years ago. So many of us have been weaned on this text over the years that one anticipates the comfortable and familiar to continue, but the addition of color photographs and diagrams makes this edition a true pleasure to behold and a worthwhile purchase even to those with earlier editions. I do not think I have ever encountered such a sea of change in a text directly attributed to the introduction of sharp, color, clinical photographs; easy-to-read colored tables; and the effect that the overall integration of color has accomplished on just about every page. The quality of the paper adds a heft and sheen to the pages and gives one the feeling of opening something of significance, which, in fact, the book is. As one would expect, many changes have occurred over the past quarter century, and the text has kept pace with complete reviews of new local anesthetics, refinement and evolution of anesthetic techniques, and the introduction of local anesthetic delivery systems. The one constant has been that anatomy is still anatomy; if you put the drug in the right place, the drug will generally work. Dr Malamed has refined his approach in discussing the various local anesthetic techniques and “talks” the reader through the nuances of each block. The addition of a new chapter on legal considerations, by Dr Dan Orr II, relates local anesthetic practice to realities of the medicolegal environment that permeate all aspects of medical and dental practice. This is not a text you might like to own, but you must possess it to have the basics and state-of-the-art in local anesthesia in dentistry at your fingertips. The term handbook has always been a bit misleading when it came to describing the content and intent of the premier reference text in dental local anesthesia. It is a handbook, but it is also so much more. Are you seeking to learn? Do you need a refresher? Are you unsure about a term? Are you attempting a new approach? Look it up in Malamed! A companion DVD, Local Anesthesia Administration DVD, reviews both local anesthetic technique and animation that clarifies basic anatomy and pharmacology and is a valuable addition that complements the text. The production is slick, professional, and—though not my taste in music—upbeat. At best, it is a difficult task to describe clinical technique; a picture, and especially a video, is worth more than a thousand words. The basics of maxillary and mandibular injections are clearly demonstrated with great clarity and focus. My only criticism is that the practicing dentist needs more than a basic review, and troubleshooting the different approaches with various anatomical variations would be helpful. It is difficult to be all things to all people and to span audiences from dental students to dental hygienists and from specialty graduate students to experienced practitioners. It is a daunting and formidable undertaking. Personally, I liked the book better than the movie for its depth and completeness, but, taken together, they are the reference in dental local anesthesia and will continue to set the standard. The second edition of Handbook of Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen Sedation, by Morris Clark and Ann Brunick, is a handbook in the classic sense of the word. Written in an outline rather than narrative format, it attempts to put just about every aspect of nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation into the reader's hands in a short, concise overview. The first edition filled an important void in dentistry to completely concentrate on just nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation and appealed to dental educators and students who were seeking a single reference text. This book continues to reinforce the legacy of Horace Wells and is the bridge between the “relative analgesia” of Harry Langa and the modern era. The content has been updated in this second edition, and additions include new chapters on pediatrics, an interesting section on frequently asked questions, and new information that is peppered throughout the text. Additional photographs have been added to the sections on equipment, and special attention is paid to biohazards in an in-depth review. Appendices now include a template for an Informed Consent Form and contain other additional guidelines of interest to the practitioner. It is a small, sweet book that can be devoured rapidly as a fine piece of chocolate with no bitter aftertaste.