Sweet Retreat Equine Dentistry
Felton, PA 17322
ph: (410) 259-5970
sweetret
Dental Guide for Owners:
Time for the Dentist!
Adult horses should have a visit from a dentist at least once a year. Younger horses, under the age of 5 and older horses, above the age of 20, should really have at least an exam every 6 months.
Routine and corrective dental care is a very important part of your horse’s health and comfort.
Why Do You Wanna Know That?:
There are few things to be on the lookout for that your equine friend might need to have a dental visit. These things will also be some things that a dentist might/will ask either over the phone when setting up your appointment or before we get to work on your horse….
Being observant and knowing your animal is a huge help to not only you, but too any professional that helps care for your equines.
So What Does that Mean to me and my Horse?
All the signs listed above could mean a few things, but the meaning to the dentist is pretty specific. All these issues cause one main thing that needs to be corrected and that’s restricted motion of the jaw. Restricted motion = inefficient chewing and improper breaking down of food for digestion. This is something that is important for all ages and classes of horses. The better the food is broken down, the easier the system can use it. There is also the possibility of uneven and un-needed pressure on the TMJ if things are not properly balanced.
The Exam:
Here are the main areas and things a dentist will be looking at/for:
(For these steps - it will be once the speculum is in use)
Jaw movement will be checked before and after the corrections are done to insure that the whole mouth is working properly as a whole unit.
So What Now?
Once the assessment has been made, the next step would be to determine the best course of action to restore comfort in your horse’s mouth. This could range from a basic maintenance float to remove sharp points to reducing overpowering teeth and even a realignment of the incisors; if needed to re-balance the mouth.
Once all corrections are performed, the follow up care or future appointments will be discussed. Some corrections might need to be done over more than one appointment due to the amount of work needed; this is in the best interest your horse and its well-being.
SRED specifically uses hand tools, but we are equipped with power tools if absolutely necessary.
Will The Corrections or Equipment Hurt?
All tools and procedures have risk, but no it shouldn’t hurt at all. The sound is different and sure it doesn’t feel like anything they have felt before (if they are first timers), but no pain should be felt. Some nervousness, resistance and curiosity are all normal reactions; this all depends on the horse. Some horse take well to having their teeth done, others are not really sure about the whole process. In the end it’s not a race, so if they need more time to adjust and get to know what’s going, that is easily done.
Your horse will also be given plenty of breaks once the speculum is in use; this will give them a physical break as well as a mental break to insure a better experience. They need to remember/know that their mouth being open is only temporary.
Whew, ok, Every Thing is Done – Anything I need to do Now?
Once all corrections are performed, the follow up care or future appointments will be discussed. Some corrections might need to be done over more than one appointment.
As always any and all questions are welcome; so please ask anytime!
(even after your appointment)
Copyright 2011 Sweet Retreat Farm. All rights reserved.
Last Updated 9/30/2022
by: jkolberg
Sweet Retreat Equine Dentistry
Felton, PA 17322
ph: (410) 259-5970
sweetret