Free · no account
The index kit
A 1 mm grid card to photograph on, and a putty index of the untouched tooth, sectioned both ways with a blade.
1. Print the grid card
Print at 100%, check the 50 mm bar with a ruler. Turn off "fit to page". If the bar is not 50 mm, the printer scaled the card; print again.
2. Take the index before you cut
Mix putty and press it over the untouched tooth and one tooth either side. Let it set fully, then lift it off straight.
3. Section it buccal to lingual
With a sharp blade, cut the index through the middle of the tooth from buccal to lingual. This section shows the buccal and lingual walls and the occlusal (incisal) reduction.
4. Section it mesial to distal
Cut the second half through the middle from mesial to distal. This section shows the mesial and distal walls.
5. Cut your prep
Prepare the tooth as you would in the exam: margin, axial walls, occlusal or incisal reduction.
6. Seat and photograph
Seat each index section back on the prep, lay it in the box on the card and take one photo from straight above, with all four corner squares in view.