Equine Dental Services

Believe it or not your Horse may not need to be sedated to have it's basic dental care done !

In the wild , horses wear their teeth naturally due to the vaious types of foliage in their diet. Foliage in the wild has a higher silica content causing their teeth to wear naturally. Because we pamper our horses by providing them with processed feeds and grains, we prevent their teeth from the normal wear that should be occuring. This is not to say that horses in the wild don't have sharp points on their molars that would benefit them from floating. In addition, domestic horses do not graze as much as horses in the wild which prevents their incisors from wearing.

Do you fear going to the dentist ? Does your horse fear the dentist ? Horses react alot like people. Many people fear the dentist and react to dental procedures or brace themselves when the work begins. One you realize that it isn't as bad as you thought you relax slghtly.

Horses react  in a similar manner. When the procedures begin the horse may get nervous and pull back. After a few minutes the horse begins to relax. By taking the time it takes and working at the horses speed it allows the horse to think through the procedures. When allowed some time between areas the horse will check out what has been done it their mouth. Most horses will also drop their head, exhale a sigh of relief and rub against the dental technician. This indicates that the horse understands what's happening and is ready for more work to be done.

What is Natural Equine Dentistry ?

Natural Equine Dentistry uses Natural Horsemanship techniques to perform the basic dental needs of the horse. Focusing on returning their teeth to the normal wear patterns, without excessive removal of the tooth.

Does My Horse Feel Pain From The Experience ?

Because horses are herbivores the neve structures are different than that of a human tooth. Many horses actually enjoy the experience.

Are there Advantages To Natural Equine Dentistry ?

There are many advantags to Natural Equine Dentistry A Different form of desensitization for the horse. you can check your horse for improvements after the procedures are performed. If your horse has a bitting, riding, or eating issues you do not have to wait for the sedation to wear off. In addition, your horse will indicate if a problem still  exists. Many times what may appear visually, or to the touch to be correct may still feel wrong to the horse..

Can All Horses BE Done Without Sedation ?

Not all horses can be done without sedaton. Approximately 5% stil need the help of sedation to perform the procedures. Older horses without prior care tend to be harder to work on.

How Long Does It Take ?

Ths is a simple question with a long answer. It takes what ever time time the horse needs. One of the problems that we have found is that too many people are in a rush to get things done and may rush the horse. By working with each individual horse at the speed they are comfortable with allows the procedures to go smoothly without problems. We Take The Time it Take to get the horse's dental needs done.e.

What do you Mean By Taking The Time It Takes ?

"Taking the time It Takes" is basically taking the time and not rushing the horse or making the horse want to resist the procedures. Many times taking the time it takes actually takes less time than the time it takes for sedation to take effect.

I've seen Horses Sedated and I Do Not Want My Horse to Be Traumatized !

The whole procedure is usually more traumatic for he horse owner than the horse.

My Mare Is In Foal, Can You Work On Her ?

Mares in foal can have natural dental procedures performed. If the mare was to be sedated the vulva rexaxes as a result of the sedation, allowing the possibility of an infection. We have actually peformed extractions of molars in horses without sedation.

Do You Use Hand or Power Tools On my Horse ?

For basic dentistry we prefer to use hand tools. For horses with severe malocclusions it may be necessary to use power tools to make the required corrections. Natural Equine Dentistry believes less is more. Like a good hair cut you can always remove more, but it is impossible to replace the tooth surface once it has been removed.ved.

What If My Horse Requires Sedation  ?

If after the examination it is determined that your horse needs advanced dental procedures requiring sedation an appointment wih your vet will be scheduled.