Equine dental care has advanced significantly, with routine floating supplemented by diagnostic radiography, endoscopy, and complex extractions performed by specialist veterinary dental practitioners.
Equine dental welfare depends on regular expert care provided by appropriately qualified veterinary practitioners. General equine dentists with non-veterinary qualifications can provide routine care under appropriate supervision but complex procedures require veterinary qualifications and authorization to use sedation. Horses receiving inadequate dental care develop chronic oral pain that affects eating, behavior, and ridden performance. Diastemata between cheek teeth trap food causing bacterial fermentation, periodontal inflammation, and profound pain. Sinus infections secondary to molar root disease cause chronic facial pain and nasal discharge. Dental endoscopy and radiography have revolutionized diagnosis of dental conditions not visible to direct examination. Early intervention for developing dental problems is significantly better for long-term welfare than treating advanced disease.