Overview of PINDEX® System for Fabrication of Separated Dental Stumps

The PINDEX® system offers a precise, efficient, and reliable method for manufacturing separated dental stumps (muñones) using laser-guided drilling and specialized pins. It enhances accuracy, reduces manual errors, and facilitates prosthetic work.

1. Laser Technology and Drilling Precision

• Laser beam provides exact placement of drill bits for precise perforations.
• Improved visibility reduces eye strain under various lighting conditions.
• No need for laser focusing, outperforming conventional lighting methods.
• PINDEX® Laser Upgrade Kit available for Mark II models (serial number 840101001 and above), excluding DE LUXE models.

2. PINDEX® System Components and Pins

• Various pins are used to secure and separate stumps: long, medium, short pins with plastic or metal sleeves.
• Dual-Pins and Tri-Plus® pins prevent rotation due to their unique design and anti-rotation notches.
• Recommended pin combinations include one long pin with white sleeve and one short pin with gray sleeve, or two medium pins with white sleeves.
• Auto-articulating pins with sleeves facilitate articulation and model adjustment.

3. Model Preparation and Drilling Procedure

• Maintain a minimum model thickness of 10 mm from base to marginal extension to avoid fractures.
• Flatten the model base using included tools or carbide burs.
• Mark drilling points on the occlusal surface with a pencil for accuracy.
• Drill parallel holes using PINDEX® machines; typically two holes per stump unless using Dual-Pins or Tri-Plus® pins.
• Cement pins with cyanoacrylate, starting with short pins first.

4. Model Base Fabrication and Assembly

• Use the flexible PINDEX® rubber mold for base casting to improve precision.
• Apply separating varnish before casting the base.
• Place wax bands along pins to seal plastic sleeve openings before base casting.
• Cast the base within one hour after model fabrication to synchronize gypsum expansion and improve fit.
• After gypsum sets, remove the rubber mold and finish the base as needed.
• Insert auto-articulating pins with sleeves either before or after base casting for articulation.

5. Separation and Handling of Stumps

• Due to parallel pins, the master model can be removed from the base in one piece.
• Cut stumps from below to avoid damaging marginal extensions.
• Use Tri-Plus® pins for secure stump positioning and anti-rotation.

6. Advantages and Recommendations

• Impressions can be cast without pre-inserting pins, preserving accuracy.
• Plastic or metal sleeves prevent gypsum abrasion from repeated pin removal and reinsertion.
• Use original PINDEX® pins for optimal results.
• Tri-Plus® pins provide tripod design for enhanced retention and anti-rotation, ideal for limited space.

7. Product Range and Accessories

• PINDEX® Mark II manual drilling machine with accessories.
• Retro-fit laser upgrade kit for Mark II.
• Carbide burs, reamers, and replacement bulbs.
• Flexible molds for full maxilla and quadrants.
• Hand saw with various blade thicknesses for stump separation.
• Wide selection of pins (long, medium, short), Dual-Pins, Tri-Plus® pins, auto-articulating pins, and corresponding sleeves.

8. Contact and Manufacturer Information

Coltène/Whaledent provides global support with offices in Spain, Switzerland, and the USA. Contact details are provided for commercial and technical inquiries.

Critical Parameters and Best Practices

• Maintain minimum model thickness of 10 mm to prevent fractures.
• Drill holes parallel and mark precisely before drilling.
• Cement pins starting with short pins using cyanoacrylate.
• Cast base within one hour to synchronize gypsum expansion.
• Use original PINDEX® pins and accessories for best performance.
• Separate stumps from below to protect marginal extensions.