The Dental
Procedure
The TMJs are palpated for soreness.
Muscular and skeletal symmetry is assessed.
Soreness and/or asymmetry is a sign of a dental imbalance or other tooth problem.
The incisors and canines are checked.
If incisor abnormalities are found,
they are corrected before inserting the mouth speculum.
This horse has a large incisor wedge, with a full tooth offset to his left.
After the veterinarian sedates the horse, The mouth speculum in inserted, and the mouth is flushed with water.
This removes any loose food or debris.
Molar abnormalities are observed and a corrective plan of action formed.
This horse has large 106 & 206 molar hooks.
They will be burred down and bitseats rolled in with tissue-friendly diamond-coated burrs.
If any wolf teeth are present, they are usually routinely extracted to prevent bit interference.
Both of these wolf teeth have been worn down to the bloody gumline by the friction of the bit.
Note the sharp enamel points digging into the cheeks. These will be radiused after the molars are balanced. This is typically done at the same time the “bitseats” are rolled in.
This canine tooth is completely covered in tartar. Tartar promotes tooth decay and gingivitis. If gingivitis is allowed to progress, it can develop into periodontal disease.
This 302 incisor has a slab fracture through the entire length of the tooth.
Fortunately, the fracture missed the pulp chamber, and the root was not infected.
The slab fracture was extracted, and the gum quickly healed. The gum completely filled in the gap that was left from the extraction.
The molars are power-floated while being lit up with a powerful headlight.
It is critical to look at the teeth as they are being floated. This prevents over-floating and insures that a precise surface is obtained.
The blindfold can sometimes calm a horse if the bright headlight or sunlight bothers his eyes. Keeping the horse calm will lessen stress, and better utilize the sedation.
The incisors’ angle and flatness are checked with a special incisor gauge.
A correct incisor angle is important in order to closely match the natural angle of the TMJs (temporo-mandibular joints).
This correct angle helps maintain the natural A/P (anterior-posterior) movement of the jaw.
Long canine teeth are cut using a diamond blade. They are then radiused, making a very gentle surface for the tongue to touch.
Long canine teeth can bite into and damage the tongue, and also get banged by the bit.
This is an example of a “bitseat”.
This is the same horse that had the large 206 hook in the picture above.
The molar tables are now balanced.
The ETR (excessive transverse ridges) have been reduced to balanced transverse ridges.
Note that the sharp enamel points have been taken down to prevent cheek damage.
Retained deciduous caps (baby teeth), are routinely extracted to prevent interference with proper eruption of the adult teeth.
In some cases, a retained cap can cause molars to deviate, fracture or impact.
This 3-year-old had 7 retained caps and very stinky bad breath (which was cured).
Accurate charts are critical in order to properly track the horse’s progress throughout his life.
With routine annual, or semi-annual dental equilibration, your horse has the best chance of living to a ripe old age with all of his teeth!
Bumps under the jaw on young horses are not usually a sign of a problem. They can occur when permanent teeth are erupting under PM2, PM3 and PM4. PM = Premolar.
Once the mouth is opened, the molars will be checked for retained caps (baby teeth).
Bumps on the jaw can also be caused by an injury resulting in an exostosis (bony growth).
© 2011, John Mares, AED Certified, CEqD