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Managing the Horse's Mouth Post Extraction
- Nick Moore DVM
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
When it comes to equine dentistry, extracting a broken or diseased tooth often feels like solving a major problem. And in many ways, it is—removing a painful or infected tooth can bring immediate relief to a horse and prevent further complications.
But what happens after the tooth is out?
The Hidden Consequences of Tooth Extraction
Unlike human teeth, which are relatively fixed in the jaw, a horse’s teeth are dynamic—they continue to erupt and wear throughout their life. When one tooth is removed, the surrounding dental structure starts to respond, often in ways that can create new problems:
Drifting: Neighboring teeth shift into the newly created space.
Over-eruption: The opposing tooth (from the other arcade) may grow into the void left by the extracted tooth.
These changes can lead to secondary malocclusions, which are not only difficult to manage but can severely affect the horse’s ability to chew, digest properly, and live comfortably.
Occlusal Equilibration: It’s More Than Just Floating Teeth
One of the biggest misconceptions in equine dentistry is that “floating” (smoothing out sharp points on the teeth) is all that’s needed to maintain a horse’s oral health. In reality, occlusal equilibration—the precise balancing of the entire dental arcade—is a complex, skilled process. It requires:
Extensive training and understanding of dental anatomy
Specialized tools (a power float alone is not enough)
Experience with dental pathologies and post-extraction planning
When done correctly, occlusal equilibration helps ensure the remaining teeth wear evenly, minimizing stress on the mouth and preventing further problems. Done incorrectly, however, it can result in uneven wear, pain, and an inability to chew properly.
Case Study: Only 5 Upper Cheek Teeth?
A couple of years ago, we treated a horse with bilateral fractured upper 9s—both fractured and ultimately extracted. Due to routine occlusal equilibration after the extractions, you can now see that the remaining teeth had shifted to such a degree that it was hard to tell anything was missing without counting each individual cheek tooth. There were only five instead of six on each side.
This is a perfect example of why post-extraction monitoring is crucial. If the resulting space and balance aren’t addressed early, the opposing teeth may over-erupt, leading to a cascade of dental issues that are far more difficult to treat later on.
Better Tools, Better Diagnostics—Now What?
Thanks to advances in diagnostic imaging and awareness, more equine dental issues are being caught earlier, and more teeth are being extracted with fewer complications. That’s a great step forward. But as professionals, we must also take responsibility for the long-term care that follows these procedures. That includes being able to recognize secondary malocclusions, plan for occlusal balance, and work with or refer to dental specialists as needed.
Final Thoughts
Tooth extraction is not the end of a problem—it’s often the beginning of a new one. If you're a veterinarian performing extractions, it's essential to think beyond the immediate procedure and consider:
How will the remaining teeth adapt?
Are you prepared to manage the long-term dental balance?
Do you have access to the tools and expertise needed for follow-up care?
Proper post-extraction dental management isn’t just about technique—it’s about improving a horse’s quality of life in the long run. When done right, the results are transformative.
Want to Learn More?
If you're a veterinary professional interested in expanding your knowledge in equine dentistry, we offer training courses on equilibration, diagnosis, endoscopic assessment, extractions, and more. You can always contact us at mooredvmeducation@gmail.com or call the office at 512-508-8141.
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