FAQS

What are some signs that my horse is having a dental problem?

Bad teeth can result in a variety of health and behavior changes in horses.
It is important to note that horses will often mask or hide dental pain, making it hard to know when there is an issue until it is causing major problems. This is why yearly exams are so important.

Here are some of the most common complaints:

• Poor Preformance
• Weight Loss
• Inability to collect or stay collected while riding
• Behavior Changes
• Dropping Feed
• Head Shy
• Long stems of hay in feces
• Decreased Appetite
• Not wanting to turn to one side or the other
• Opening mouth while carrying a bit
• Quidding Hay
• Discharge from one nostril
• Squeaking sound while chewing

How often do my horse’s teeth need to be floated?

There is no set time for refloats and check ups. The internal between each float depends on the individual horse. Generally speaking horses between the ages of 2-5 years tend to require more frequent exams, every 6 months. Once the horse has all their permanent (adult) teeth, then they tend to maintain their dentition on their own – as such they can usually be on a yearly schedule. Geriatric horses often benefit from frequent check-ups, but don’t always require any work as long as they are doing well and have received regular care over the years.

What is the difference between floating and equilibration?

Floating refers specifically to removing the sharp enamel points that naturally develop along the sides of a horse’s teeth as they erupt and wear over time. These points can be painful and may interfere with performance, but they are relatively simple to correct.

Equilibration, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive process. It involves adjusting the teeth so that all of them make proper contact and share the same amount of pressure during chewing. This balanced contact distributes wear evenly, helping horses maintain healthier teeth and more comfortable mouths over their lifetime. Proper equilibration not only improves comfort and performance but can also extend the functional life of a horse’s teeth.
In short, floating removes sharp points and equilibration balances the entire mouth.

What are wolf teeth?

Wolf teeth are vestigial first premolars that sit just in front of the second premolar. Through evolution, they’ve become smaller and serve no functional purpose. Because they are shallow-rooted and can contact the bit, they may cause discomfort, bitting issues, or behavioral changes.
In some horses, wolf teeth are not problematic—especially in broodmares or horses ridden bitless. But in many cases, removal is recommended as a simple, routine procedure to prevent discomfort during training or riding.
Learn more about wolf teeth and equine evolution:

What are blind wolf teeth?

Blind wolf teeth are wolf teeth that erupt sideways and remain under the gum line, most often on the upper bars in front of the second premolars. Because they’re not visible, they can be easily missed on a casual oral exam. Blind wolf teeth are frequently painful and can interfere significantly with bitting. Removal is straightforward and often provides immediate relief.

Does my horse need to be sedated for dental work?

To perform high-quality dental care, sedation is generally required. While anyone with some experience can remove sharp points without sedation, proper equilibration involves more detailed work and requires the horse to remain very still.
Horses are flight by nature, and standing quietly with their mouth open while someone works on their teeth goes against their instincts. Sedation isn’t used because the procedure is painful—it’s used to keep the horse calm and safe, allowing us to work precisely and efficiently. Unlike human teeth, a horse’s teeth have nerves that are located deep within the tooth. This means floating doesn’t cause pain unless done improperly or excessively.

What are the pros and cons of power floats vs. hand floats?

Floating involves rasping away sharp enamel points, and this can be done with either hand floats or power floats. The key difference isn’t just the tool—it’s the technique and the goal of the procedure.
Horses have approximately 2½ to 3 inches of tooth crown as young adults. Over time, this tooth is slowly worn down—just a few millimeters each year. The goal of good dentistry is to ensure even wear and balanced pressure across all teeth, which helps teeth last longer and keeps horses more comfortable as they age.
Power instruments, when used with proper training and skill, allow veterinarians to:
Work more precisely and efficiently
Reach all areas of the mouth with less stress on the horse
Perform more advanced and thorough dentistry.

What does follow-up care look like after equilibration?

Most horses can resume normal activity immediately after equilibration. There may be mild jaw soreness for a day or two, but no significant downtime is expected.
We’ll recommend a regular dental schedule—often every 6 to 12 months—depending on your horse’s age, diet, and dental history. This helps maintain a balanced mouth and prevents problems from developing between appointments.

Dental Surgery FAQS

What should I expect when I arrive to my horse’s surgery appointment?
When you arrive at Moore Equine, we’ll start with a thorough oral and physical examination to confirm the diagnosis and tailor the surgical plan to your horse’s needs.
After this we will then review the procedure with you, explaining each step, expected outcomes, and aftercare. This is your opportunity to ask questions and ensure you feel fully informed.
Your horse will be sedated and kept comfortable throughout the procedure. Because all surgeries are performed standing with local and regional anesthesia, recovery is typically smooth, and most horses go home the same day. You’ll receive clear post-operative care instructions, medications if needed, and a follow-up plan.

What does aftercare look like after my horse has a tooth removed?

After a tooth extraction, we provide detailed aftercare instructions specific to your horse’s case. In general, you can expect:

• A short period of soft feed (e.g., soaked pellets or mash)
• Monitoring for bleeding, swelling, or feed packing in the extraction site
• If a pack was placed in the extraction site, we will give instructions on when to have it removed
• Use of prescribed anti-inflammatories or antibiotics, if indicated
• A follow-up oral exam to ensure proper healing and prevent secondary infections
• Discuss long term care for the rest of the mouth to stay balanced

Most horses recover quickly and comfortably. You’ll receive clear guidance on what to look for and when to call us with concerns.

Is general anesthesia the only option for removing a horse’s tooth?

No—general anesthesia is not required for most cases.
Thanks to modern techniques and specialized instruments, most teeth can be extracted orally with the horse standing, using sedation and nerve blocks. Standing extractions offer:

• Less risk compared to general anesthesia
• Lower cost
• Faster recovery

Even fractured, diseased, or crownless teeth can often be removed using minimally invasive techniques that reduce trauma and discomfort.

General anesthesia may be necessary in rare or extreme cases, but for the vast majority of patients, standing extraction is safe and highly effective.

Is tooth repulsion the only way to get a tooth out?

No — in fact, tooth repulsion is rarely needed today. Traditionally, repulsion involved accessing the root of the tooth through the sinus or jawbone and driving the tooth out from the root end. This technique is much more invasive, often requiring more aftercare, longer recovery time, higher complication rate, and higher costs.
With modern equipment, advanced training, and minimally invasive techniques, we are able to remove the majority of diseased or damaged teeth orally. This means accessing the tooth through the mouth, without making any incisions on the outside of the face.
Oral extractions are typically less traumatic, have fewer complications, and allow your horse to recover faster. Even teeth with fractured crowns, diseased roots, or complex shapes can usually be removed using these advanced methods.

What is a transbuccal approach?

A transbuccal approach is a minimally invasive technique used to remove teeth that cannot be extracted through the mouth alone. A small portal is made through the cheek, and specialized instruments are used to access and remove the affected tooth precisely.
Benefits of this method include:

• Less soft tissue trauma
• Fewer complications
• Shorter procedure times
• Quicker recovery for your horse

All transbuccal extractions at Moore Equine are performed in the standing, sedated horse.

What is EOTRH?

EOTRH (Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis) is a painful, progressive dental disease that typically affects the incisor and canine teeth of older horses.
It involves tooth root resorption and excessive cementum production, leading to pain, instability, swelling, and sometimes infection.

Common signs include:

• Reluctance to bite or take a bit
• Difficulty chewing carrots or hay
• Gum swelling or drainage tracts
• Loose or shifting incisors
• Holding tongue between incisors

EOTRH is diagnosed through a combination of oral examination and digital radiographs.

What should I do if my horse is diagnosed with EOTRH?

Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. In early stages, monitoring and pain management may be appropriate. However, because EOTRH is progressive, removing the affected teeth is often the most effective way to restore comfort and quality of life. The procedure is done standing with sedation, and horses generally recover quickly. Most owners notice a marked improvement in comfort and attitude once the painful teeth are gone.

What are infundibular caries and what are restorations?

Infundibular caries are a common dental issue in horses involving decay or weakening in the infundibulum, which is a natural cup-shaped structure in the center of the upper cheek teeth. Over time, this area can accumulate feed, bacteria, and debris, leading to the breakdown of the tooth structure. If left untreated, infundibular caries can progress and weaken the tooth from the inside out, increasing the risk of fractures, sinus infections, or other serious dental complications.
To address this, we use a procedure called restoration. Similar to fillings in human dentistry, restorations involve thoroughly cleaning the cavity and sealing it with a specialized dental material designed for equine teeth. This prevents further bacterial contamination, strengthens the tooth, and helps extend its functional life.
Not every infundibular caries needs immediate restoration, but early diagnosis allows us to treat problems before they lead to more invasive procedures like extractions. Regular dental exams are key to catching these lesions early and keeping your horse’s mouth healthy and comfortable.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease refers to inflammation and infection of the supporting structures of the teeth — including the gums, periodontal ligament, and surrounding bone. In horses, this is one of the most common and painful dental conditions we see.
The disease typically begins when feed material and bacteria become trapped between teeth or in periodontal pockets. Over time, this leads to inflammation, gum recession, deep pocketing, bone loss, and eventually loosening or loss of teeth.

Common clinical signs may include:

• Quidding (dropping feed)
• Oral odor
• Nasal discharge (in advanced cases)
• Weight loss or performance decline
• Reluctance to accept the bit or headshaking under saddle

If left untreated, periodontal disease can progress rapidly and lead to secondary problems such as sinus infections or systemic inflammation.
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical. Treatment often includes removing packed feed, debriding infected tissue, flushing and disinfecting periodontal pockets, and addressing the underlying cause—such as malocclusions or diastemata (abnormal gaps between teeth).

In more advanced cases, restorative procedures, extractions, or sinus treatments may be required. With proper care and follow-up, many horses can maintain good dental health and comfort for years