Dentistry

Dentistry is an important part of preventative medicine. By ensuring that your horse has good teeth in his or her younger years, we can prevent long-term problems.

At Red Oak Animal Hospital, we utilize routine PowerFloat® (odontoplasty) equipment. The Powerfloat® allows us to be very thorough and precise while also being time efficient. We also offer dental radiographs, intraoral extractions, periodontal treatment, EOTRH (Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis) treatment.

Equine Dentistry: Maintaining Oral Health for Optimal Performance

Just like humans, horses need regular dental care to maintain good health and well-being. Dental problems can significantly impact a horse’s:

  • Performance:
    • Difficulty chewing can lead to weight loss, poor performance, and even colic.
    • Sharp points on teeth can injure the tongue and cheeks, causing discomfort and impacting performance.
  • Overall Health:
    • Poor dental health can lead to infections and other health issues.

Common Equine Dental Problems:

  • Sharp Points: As horses chew, their teeth continuously erupt and wear down. This can result in sharp points on the teeth that can injure the soft tissues of the mouth.
  • Hooks: Overgrown teeth can develop sharp hooks that can injure the cheeks and tongue.
  • Wave Mouth: Uneven wear of the teeth can create a “wave” pattern, making it difficult for the horse to chew properly.
  • Dental Abscesses: Infections can develop in the teeth and gums, causing pain and discomfort.
  • Retained Caps: Baby teeth that fail to shed properly can interfere with the eruption of adult teeth.

Our Approach to Equine Dentistry

At Red Oak Animal Hospital, we utilize advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to provide comprehensive dental care for your horse, including:

  • PowerFloat® (Odontoplasty): This innovative technique allows us to efficiently and precisely remove sharp points and smooth the tooth surfaces, ensuring optimal chewing function.
  • Dental Radiographs: Digital radiographs provide valuable insights into the internal structure of the teeth, helping us diagnose and treat underlying dental issues.
  • Intraoral Extractions: We can safely extract problematic teeth, such as retained caps or severely damaged teeth.
  • Periodontal Treatment: We address gum disease and other periodontal issues to maintain healthy oral tissues.
  • EOTRH (Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis) Treatment: We can diagnose and treat this progressive dental disease that affects older horses.