What is equine dentistry?

Comprehensive performance dentistry includes regular dental health maintenance and procedures to correct dental problems.

Dental examinations should be performed every
6-12 months after the initial visit to correct dental problems before they threaten your horse's health.

Dental care includes:

• examination of the mouth for abnormal wear and malocclusion (bad contact of tooth surfaces), cracked or loose teeth, infection, and other dental irregularities
• regular "floating"or shaping to smooth the tooth surfaces
  • provides a balanced dentition that allows comfort in eating
  • eliminates sharp points in teeth that may cause oral pain
• radiography (x-rays) if needed
• extraction of offending or diseased teeth
• filling or implanting to treat diseased and/or missing teeth
• prescriptions for antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs as needed
• permanent dental chart
  • shows condition of horse's teeth
  • records work done
  • includes recommendations for future needs

A full mouth speculum holds the horse's mouth open during examination and treatment. A head restraint keeps the horse's head steady.

Power equipment makes floating and other corrective dental procedures faster and easier. Intra-oral cameras are used for diagnostic photography and radiography.

Dr. Kimberlin sedates the horse during dental examination and treatment to reduce stress and allow safe use (for horse and dentist!) of power instruments for correction of abnormalities. [replace with photo of tool cart]

Northeast Texas Veterinary Dental Center