Routine check-ups and advanced dentistry procedures have made great progress over recent years, with new technology and procedures becoming increasingly apparent, obliging certified equine dentists to stay well up-to-date with their educational levels.

One of the milestones in dental monitoring of a horse's mouth is the evaluation of the degree of contact between the upper and lower arcades and the level of the lateral excursion of the mandible, followed by a check-up of the incisors, the premolars and molars. A speculum is needed to inspect these back teeth. Sometimes other devices such as x-rays are needed to investigate problems hidden from a manual or ocular inspection. Some problems can be solved with manual instruments such as rasps, floats, elevators, spreaders and so on whilst others may require electrical equipment. However electrical instruments must always be used with extreme care in order to avoid iatrogenic damage.

Types of treatments include:

PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Procedures designed to maintain the integrity of the tooth function include oral hygiene, tooth cleaning education and fissure control.

PERIODONTICS
Treatment of diseases of the gums and other tooth supporting tissue, including tartar removal, scaling, and polishing of teeth.

ENDODONTICS
Diseases of the tooth nerve.

ORTHODONTICS
Occlusal equilibration, including adjustment of the incisor and molar angles to alleviate excessive pressure on individual teeth, encouraging efficient contact and articulation of the TemproMandibular Joint (TMJ).

OCCLUSAL RESTORATION
Removal of blockages, including high teeth, ramps, hooks, etc., allowing jaw and facial muscles to relax, promoting efficient movement.

ORAL SURGERY AND TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
Wolf teeth, milk teeth, dead, diseased, fractured or broken teeth.

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