Most people are not overly keen on visiting the dentist, in fact we'd probably rate it in our ten least favourite activities! However, we realise that if we want
good teeth, we need to have regular check-ups. This is equally true for the horse. I don't expect many horses look forward to the experience, but if we are prepared for the visit
and know what to expect, it should be far less stressful all round.
A first point to note is that in order for your Equine Dentist, (or Equine Dental Technician as is the correct title), to do a good job, they will need sufficient time. Do not expect
the process to be over in 10 minutes, as in reality it will take between 35 – 45 minutes per horse, or longer if it's teeth haven't been
regularly maintained. The ideal environment would be a
large, well lit and clean stable or enclosed area, preventing the horse from moving around excessively, or breaking free with the speculum (instrument to keep the mouth open) on.
Although the owner is not always required to assist, it does help to have someone present to keep hold of the horse within the stable.
As expected, your Equine Dental Technician will want to find out as much from you as possible, so make a mental note of any problems you've noticed in your horse's eating
habits or riding that could be connected to the mouth. It may also help them to see the horse eating hay or wearing its bridle, so have them handy just in case.
Following this, a thorough examination of the horse's head and inside of their mouth will be carried out to note any problem areas. These could include any external
lumps or bumps, sharp teeth, diseased teeth, sores, hooks, ramps and so on. The condition of the horse's mouth will then be discussed with the owner, along with
the recommended treatment.
Any major problems that require the use of power tools within the mouth or extraction of a tooth will require sedation by a vet. Therefore, unless the vet is able to attend there
and then, a second appointment may have to be made. The horse may also need to be sedated if it strongly objects to having its teeth checked and rasped. However, perhaps surprisingly,
the majority of horses are not too opposed to the process, and in fact compared to us humans, are far more co-operative and easy to work with!
Having completed the work, a dental chart should be provided to show the problems that were present and the corrective treatment that was carried out. If you get the chance don't be
too shy at having a feel within the horse's mouth, with the speculum on of course, as this will give you a better understanding of how the teeth work.
The cost itself may vary depending on a variety of factors, but in general, having your horses teeth maintained twice yearly is a small price to pay for a happy and pain-free mouth.