05/05/2024
Modern equine dentistry entails so much more than “rasping a few sharp edges”.
Here’s what happens at a routine appointment!
1️⃣ Horse History
We start by gathering essential details about your equine friend: age, job, any eating or riding issues, and any previous dental history.
2️⃣ External Examination
We then look for any external clues that may indicate dental issues. Looking at overall body condition, the symmetry of the muscles of the head, palpating for any lumps and bumps on the head and under the jaw, checking for any nasal discharge, examining the lips for any sores or damage, examining the bars of mouth for any injuries, checking for wolf teeth, checking the canines, and finally examining the incisors for bite plane, lateral excursion, rostral-caudal movement and any signs of disease.
3️⃣ Internal Examination
Using a full mouth speculum and both palpation and visual inspection with a mirror and high quality LED light source, we thoroughly examine each tooth and aspect of the mouth. We use dental picks and probes to assess any lesions and water irrigation to remove any trapped food material. This allows us to identify any signs of pathology or dental disease.
4️⃣ Dental treatment
Based on our findings, we create a treatment plan for your horse with the goal of maximum comfort and maximum mastication efficiency. This will include removing all sharp enamel points which may cause soft tissue damage, and correcting/reducing any occlusal overgrowths. If not properly addressed occlusal overgrowths will worsen over time as the teeth naturally erupt. This can restrict movement of the lower jaw and can hinder efficient mastication, and can also lead to painful dental disorders such as diastemata and periodontal disease, therefore it’s very important that these overgrowths are managed appropriately.
5️⃣ Aftercare
Following your horse's dental treatment, we'll provide guidance on the recommended timeframe for their next dental examination. If any dental disorders/diseases are detected, we'll discuss them with you, and if additional treatment by an Equine Veterinary Dental specialist is necessary, we'll provide appropriate recommendations.
⚠️ Regular thorough dental maintenance by a qualified professional is crucial for your horse's overall health and lifelong wellbeing. Don’t compromise on your horses dental health ⚠️
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