BOOK REVIEW

Exercises in Oral Radiology

and Interpretation, 4th ed,
by Robert P. Langlais
The long-awaited fourth edition of Exercises in Oral
Radiology and Interpretation by Dr Robert Langlais
succeeds the third edition of 1992. The text was actually
completed in 2003 to coincide with the 25th anniversary
of the publication of the rst edition, Exercises in Intra-
oral Radiographic Interpretation, in 1978. This edition
has been entirely redone and upgraded by Dr Langlais
following Dr Myron Kasles retirement from co-
authorship.
The new edition has a gray watermark background on
its cover with a mix of crisp white, blue, and black text
that is very appealing and welcomes the reader to the
content pages within. This new edition remains true to
its roots as a modern radiographic atlas for intraoral
radiographic anatomy, identication of foreign and
restorative materials, and trouble-shooting errors. This
edition has a new feature to assist the novice radiog-
rapher in learning radiographic anatomy. There are
many side-by-side black, white, and gray-tone illus-
trated sketches of the radiographic images. This makes
recognition of structures on the radiographs more
visible and greatly improves the learning potential and
educational value of the images.
The new edition has an expanded atlas of panoramic
images. There is also a separate chapter on panoramic
radiographic errors. This chapter has updated images as
well as detailed schematic illustrations explaining the
degree and magnitude of panoramic distortion artifact.
This latest edition has updated, contemporary in-
formation with new content chapters on digital imaging
for intraoral and panoramic radiographs. Specically,
the chapters explain how to physically handle the
sensors and the computer software used to manage the
images. More detail is given on photostimulable phos-
phor plate sensor technology as these sensors require
a more hands-on technique. Although these 2 chap-
ters lack the detail on the process of digitization that is
typically reserved for formal radiology texts, they
remain as admirable introductions to the use of digital
receptors for imaging of oral anatomy.
This edition maintains the intent of the previous
editions in preparing students for local, state, or national
radiology certifying examinations. These chapters are
also pertinent in preparation for the American Dental
Associations Joint Commission on National Dental
Examinations, ie, the National Board Dental Examina-
tions (NBDE), the National Board Dental Hygiene
Examinations (NBDHE), and the Dental Assisting
National Board (DANB). Besides the expansive 475
Board-preparation questions, there are another 2
chapters with case-based questions on recognition
and diagnosis of dental anomalies as well as case-based
questions on assessment and interpretation of jaw
pathology. These case-based questions follow the
current paradigm for educational testing.
Dr Langlais fourth edition of the textbook has
maintained the purpose and integrity of the previous
editions. The book has fullled its goal in presenting
more expansive content on intraoral imaging with the
inclusion of up-to-date information on radiology hard-
ware and digital sensors.
Because of its breadth, this book remains a primary
consideration as an intraoral radiologic atlas. It also
must continue to be an oral and maxillofacial radiology
reference textbook for dental assisting, dental hygiene,
and dental and graduate dental education. However, its
utility as an intraoral and panoramic radiographic atlas
continues to make the book a valuable reference text in
the dental ofce for all levels of dental practitioners.
Exercises in Oral Radiology and Interpretation, 4th ed
By Robert P. Langlais
Elsevier Inc; St Louis: 2004. 400 pp.
Reviewed by:
Kenneth Abramovitch, DDS, MS
Section of Radiology, Dental Branch
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas
doi:10.1016/j.tripleo.2004.08.022
OOOOE December 2004 765