Question 1

Do you use sedation, and will my horse lay down?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we use sedation for dental examinations and procedures. Sedation helps keep your horse, you and our team safe, reduces stress, and allows us to thoroughly examine the entire mouth.

Your horse will remain standing throughout the procedure, with their head supported comfortably. Sedation is individually dosed for each horse, and most horses are back to their normal selves within a couple of hours.

Question 2

My horse has never had a bit in its mouth — does it really need a dental?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Bit or no bit, your horse's mouth should be examined regularly. Young horses go through significant changes as their deciduous (baby) teeth are shed and replaced by permanent teeth, making regular dental examinations particularly important during this stage. Regular checks help identify problems early and ensure your horse's mouth remains comfortable and healthy.

Question 3

How often should my horse have their teeth examined?

Accepted Answer

We recommend having your horse's teeth examined every 6–12 months, depending on their age, dental history and individual needs. After examining your horse, we'll recommend the interval that's most appropriate for them.

Question 4

Is a dental procedure painful for my horse?

Accepted Answer

No. Dental treatment should not be painful. Some parts of the procedure may feel unfamiliar to your horse, but sedation helps keep them relaxed and allows us to work carefully and thoroughly.

If we find any areas of concern, we'll discuss them with you and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Question 5

Do you use power tools? Is this harmful to my horse's teeth?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we use modern power equipment as part of our dental procedures. Power tools allow us to perform treatment efficiently and precisely.

We use a diamond disc specifically designed for equine dentistry, which allows us to remove areas of excessive or uneven tooth material without injuring the gums, tongue or other soft tissues of the mouth.

Question 6

What does a dental appointment look like?

Accepted Answer

Every appointment starts with a conversation about your horse's general health, riding and dental history, followed by a general physical examination.

Once your horse has been assessed and is considered fit for the procedure, sedation is administered. We then thoroughly examine the mouth and teeth before carrying out any necessary treatment, which may include odontoplasty (floating) and removing food trapped between the teeth.

We'll talk you through what we've found and answer any questions along the way. If your horse is due for vaccinations or other routine health care, these can often be done during the same visit.

Question 7

Can I ride my horse on the same day?

Accepted Answer

You're welcome to ride your horse before their dental appointment, but we recommend giving them the rest of the day off afterwards to recover from the sedation.

Question 8

Can my horse eat after the dental?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your horse can eat once the sedation has fully worn off and they are back to their normal level of alertness. This usually takes around 2 hours after the procedure.

Question 9

Do I need a power source?

Accepted Answer

No. Our equipment is fully cordless and battery-powered, with no mains power required.

Question 10

How soon will I know the results?

Accepted Answer

Immediately. Digital images appear on-screen within seconds, so we can assess the findings, talk them through with you, and plan treatment during the same appointment.

Question 11

Can you image any part of the horse?

Accepted Answer

We can perform radiographs of many areas of your horse, including the feet, limbs, head and parts of the neck.

X-rays are not suitable for every part of a horse, so we'll discuss any limitations with you and refer for advanced diagnostic imaging when needed.

Questions, answered.

Dentistry questions.

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