We provide a comprehensive modern dentistry service, including routine examination and rasping and advanced treatments. Modern dentistry is about preventative care, as in people – we recommend 6-12 monthly routine check-ups to identify problems early and provide prompt treatment to avoid unnecessary discomfort. We know horses’ can be extremely stoic when it comes to oral pain, and so it is vital horses, ponies and donkeys’ mouths are examined regularly by an experienced and qualified professional.
We carry out routine dentistry on the yard, and a visit from one of our team will include: a thorough examination of the teeth and soft tissues in the mouth, controlled reduction of sharp points and overgrowths (known as rasping / floating / equilibrating) using modern lightweight powertools, discussion of any abnormalities (such as gaps between teeth, cavities or other disease) and recommendations on further diagnostics or diet as appropriate. We will often recommend light sedation to allow us to complete a thorough examination of the mouth, and perform any treatments in a stress-free, calm and painless manner. 
Signs of dental pain can include: Quidding (dropping food), reduced appetite, weight loss, nasal discharge, smelly breath, lumps or swellings on the face or jaw. If you notice any of these we recommend you contact us for a consultation.
We have access to a wide range of modern motorised and non-motorised equine specialist dental equipment to allow us to handle abnormalities in the mouth. All our vets are experienced in routine dentistry and identifying problems in horses’ mouths, having carried out extra training to ensure they have up to date knowledge and skills in this area. They may opt to refer some problems to Dr Ryan McCarthy, who provides our advanced dentistry service alongside consultant specialists. Imaging (such as x-rays), treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, cavity restorations and teeth extractions can generally be carried out on the yard. We regularly work with experienced specialists in the field including Dr Rob Pascoe and Dr Safia Barakzai to provide specialist procedures such as cavity restorations, endodontics, complex extractions, oral and sinus surgery.
We work with qualified Equine Dental Technicians (EDT) and do provide sedation for horses that require it for an EDT to work. We accept referrals from EDTs, and will always communicate clearly with the client’s EDT and refer back to them once a diagnosis and treatment plan has been decided. We recommend owners are fully aware of the status of their chosen professional for dentistry. We suggest our clients read here to understand who is permitted to do what in a horse’s mouth under the current legislation.
We offer a text message reminder service to clients who have previously had dental examination carried out by one of our team.
