Dental Care for Horses

A keystone for equine health

 A tall, vertical shape with straight sides and semicircular ends, resembling a capsule or pill, outlined in black on a white background—ideal for signage at a pet clinic or veterinarian's office. The image is a solid light gray background with no visible objects, text, or people—ideal for use in Animal Hospital or Vet settings seeking a neutral backdrop.

Equine Dentistry in Bucyrus, KS and Miami County

Dentistry is an important part of preventative medicine. By ensuring that your horse has good teeth in his or her younger years, we can prevent long-term problems.

At Red Oak Animal Hospital, we utilize routine PowerFloat® (odontoplasty) equipment. The Powerfloat® allows us to be very thorough and precise while also being time efficient. We also offer dental radiographs, intraoral extractions, periodontal treatment, EOTRH (Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis) treatment.

A woman wearing gloves examines a horse's teeth with a dental tool while the horse is restrained in a harness at an animal hospital.
Two women, likely veterinarians from a pet clinic, perform dental work on a horse in a barn. One uses a power tool on the horse's mouth while the other holds it steady. The horse, wearing a head restraint, stands calmly in its stall.

Dr Sutter performing equine dental examinations and floats on multiple horse patients

Float Special Exciting Update to Our Float Special!
10% Discount on Sedation & Float!
We’re expanding our Float Special to offer you more flexibility!
New Discount Details:
  • Schedule your horse’s float within 30 days of the recommendation.
  • Or schedule 30 days before or after the float reminder is due.
  • Enjoy 10% off both sedation and the float!
This update allows you to address your horse’s float needs promptly, while still receiving a discount—no need to wait until winter! Two women, both wearing gloves, examine a horse’s mouth in a barn. One appears to be a veterinarian inspecting with a phone or tool while the other holds the mouth open. The horse’s head is gently restrained in a padded harness.
A black and white horse stands behind a fence, stretching its head up with its mouth open wide, showing its teeth—perhaps waiting for a treat or a visit from the vet. The scene is set outdoors at sunset with hay and trees in the background.

Equine Dentistry: Maintaining Oral Health for Optimal Performance

Just like humans, horses need regular dental care to maintain good health and well-being. Dental problems can significantly impact a horse’s:

  • Performance:
    • Difficulty chewing can lead to weight loss, poor performance, and even colic.
    • Sharp points on teeth can injure the tongue and cheeks, causing discomfort and impacting performance.
  • Overall Health:
    • Poor dental health can lead to infections and other health issues.

A black and white horse stands behind a fence, stretching its head up with its mouth open wide, showing its teeth—perhaps waiting for a treat or a visit from the vet. The scene is set outdoors at sunset with hay and trees in the background.
Two women, likely veterinarians, are performing dental work on a horse using a power tool inside a stable. The horse’s head is held steady with straps while the women focus on its mouth, wearing gloves and vests like at an animal hospital.

Common Equine Dental Problems:

  • Sharp Points: As horses chew, their teeth continuously erupt and wear down. This can result in sharp points on the teeth that can injure the soft tissues of the mouth.
  • Hooks: Overgrown teeth can develop sharp hooks that can injure the cheeks and tongue.
  • Wave Mouth: Uneven wear of the teeth can create a “wave” pattern, making it difficult for the horse to chew properly.
  • Dental Abscesses: Infections can develop in the teeth and gums, causing pain and discomfort.
  • Retained Caps: Baby teeth that fail to shed properly can interfere with the eruption of adult teeth.

Our Approach to Equine Dentistry

At Red Oak Animal Hospital, we utilize advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to provide comprehensive dental care for your horse, including:

  • PowerFloat® (Odontoplasty): This innovative technique allows us to efficiently and precisely remove sharp points and smooth the tooth surfaces, ensuring optimal chewing function.
  • Dental Radiographs: Digital radiographs provide valuable insights into the internal structure of the teeth, helping us diagnose and treat underlying dental issues.
  • Intraoral Extractions: We can safely extract problematic teeth, such as retained caps or severely damaged teeth.
  • Periodontal Treatment: We address gum disease and other periodontal issues to maintain healthy oral tissues.
  • EOTRH (Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis) Treatment: We can diagnose and treat this progressive dental disease that affects older horses.

Heartworm Prevention A young girl sits at an open doorway, hugging a small black dog as they gaze out toward a bright picket fence and garden—capturing a quiet moment that could be seen in any caring veterinarian’s home. The softly lit floor gleams in the foreground. A woman, possibly a veterinarian, stands on grass next to a brown horse, holding its lead and reading a book. The horse looks at the book. A blue SUV and trees are in the background.

Recommended Frequency of Dental Exams What To Expect The frequency of dental exams will vary depending on the horse's age, breed, and individual needs.
  • Young Horses: Regular dental exams are recommended for young horses to monitor tooth development and address any potential issues early on.
  • Performance Horses: Horses in heavy training or competition may require more frequent dental exams.
 A brown horse with a dark mane stands in a stable, facing the camera with one eye visible. The horse is secured with cross ties, as if awaiting a veterinarian exam, with stable walls and roof visible in the background. A black and white horse stands in a dry, grassy field at sunset, looking to the right. A hay bale and fencing are in the background—an idyllic scene reminiscent of a veterinarian’s care for animals in rural settings.

Schedule a Dental Exam Today At Red Oak Animal Hospital, we prioritize the oral health of your horse. Contact us today to schedule a dental exam and ensure your equine companion's comfort and well-being. A young girl sits at an open doorway, hugging a small black dog as they gaze out toward a bright picket fence and garden—capturing a quiet moment that could be seen in any caring veterinarian’s home. The softly lit floor gleams in the foreground. A horse has its mouth held open with a dental speculum while two veterinarians wearing blue gloves examine its teeth using a bright light and dental tools inside a stable.

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