Equine Dentistry
At Tanglefoot Veterinary Services, we are pleased to offer equine dentistry—a crucial field focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dental issues in horses. Our clinicians understand that proper oral health is not just about comfort; it is directly linked to performance. We have invested in additional training and mentoring to ensure we provide this essential service for the equine species.
Maintaining Health, Comfort, and Potential
Proper dental care is foundational to a horse’s overall health, affecting everything from digestion to riding performance. Our comprehensive equine dentistry services include:
- Routine Dental Examinations: Thorough assessments to identify potential issues early.
- Equine Dental Anatomy: Specialized knowledge of the horse’s unique tooth structure and wear patterns.
- Floating (Filing): The primary preventative procedure (detailed below).
- Tooth Extractions: Addressing damaged or problematic teeth when necessary.
- Dental Radiographs: Using imaging to diagnose issues hidden beneath the gumline.
- Client Education: Providing owners with the knowledge to maintain optimal oral health between visits.
Equine Dentistry: The Key Preventative Procedure
An equine dental float involves filing down the sharp edges, points, and overgrowths that naturally develop on a horse’s teeth. This maintenance is critical because it:
- Maintains Proper Occlusion: Ensures the upper and lower teeth meet correctly.
- Prevents Oral Discomfort: Eliminates pain that can interfere with eating and bitting.
- Avoids Dental Abnormalities: Stops minor issues from progressing into severe problems.
Safety First: Floating is always performed under sedation or anesthesia. This vital step minimizes trauma to the bone, teeth, and temporomandibular joint, allowing us to use modern, precise power tools and manual rasps effectively.
Health, Comfort, and Longevity
Equine dentistry plays a crucial role in ensuring the comfort, health, and performance of horses. Our knowledgeable and skilled veterinarians are dedicated to:
-
Addressing Current Issues: Treating existing sources of pain or disease.
-
Maintaining Dental Health: Promoting long-term function and preventing severe decay.
-
Optimizing Performance: Our clinicians have found that performance horses reach their full potential when regular dental exams and necessary floating are completed.
Trust Tanglefoot Veterinary Services to provide the dental care your horse needs to live a healthy, comfortable, and active life.