The dentist is coming out for my horse tommorrow, what should I expect?

Tommorrow the dentist is coming out to do a routine check on my newly purchased horse. (she has had regular dental work)





What should I expect?


Approximately what will the costs be? (there are several horses at the same barn getting their teeth done)


Is there anything I can do to prepare for the dentist?

The dentist is coming out for my horse tommorrow, what should I expect?
My vet does my dental work. He starts with a tranquilizer shot, then fits this big scary looking metal duck bill looking contraption over my horses head and over his lips maybe front teeth too. The contraption keeps the horses mouth open while he examines. Then, he pulls out this hand drill with a long rasp on it and starts filing the teeth. It smells gross. He does upper and lower. When he's done, he takes the contraption off and pats my horse and we're done. I probably missed a few steps, but that's the sketch of it!


My horses have all been able to have grain and hay when they get home.


Cost varies. I had one horse done for $75 and another for $225.
Reply:I'm in jersey i pay 100.00
Reply:if it is a routine check and she is older than 4 its very simple.they usually tranquilize them and float their teeth.this is similiar to filing your finger nails with a big file.their teeth become very sharp and pointed and this should be done at least once a year.if shes younger she may need some teeth pulled which are called caps.they need to be removed so the new teeth can come out properly.sometime if you dont do this food can become trapped between the new teeth and the old ones falling out which can be painful.normal charge is around $100.00 -$150.00.your horse's mouth may be sore for day but is not that painful.
Reply:My dentist is $100 if its just a routine filing and no teeth have to be pulled. Are you all going in together cost wise? Then he might discount. In terms of preparing, you might wanna take a notebook and jot down what he tells you. He can tell you if the teeth were sharp, dead tooth, etc. You should know about your horses teeth. It can affect how well they eat. If the teeth aren't rasped ("filed") well enough, the horse can get ulcers in its mouth from the sharp teeth scraping on its gums. You'll know if it drops its food a lot. He can tell you if your horse needs less grain, etc. Just have your horse up and ready. Tied up, calm etc.





In the old method, he will put a gag on the horse (the contraption mentioned earlier). which prevents the horse from closing its mouth. Most horses are fine if they have had it done before. Then hell reach up the mouth and feel the teeth, then rasp the teeth to remove sharpness. It looks horrible but it doesnt hurt them. Thats all really.





The new method uses electric tools, which im not to sure of. But the horse may need to be sedated. Again, id rather the old mehtod if it takes away the use of sedatives. Much more natural.





Good luck! Just watch and learn