Tooth extraction in horses is a common procedure that plays an important role in maintaining equine dental health. Whether due to infection, fractured teeth, or advanced periodontal disease, removing a problematic tooth can significantly improve a horse’s comfort and overall well-being.

Though routine, tooth extractions can have complications and require careful aftercare to ensure the best outcome. Horses often need more frequent dental checkups following removal of a tooth, as extraction can lead to imbalances in the mouth that require ongoing management.

Horses with dental issues also require a modified diet to accommodate changes in their chewing ability. Softer feeds, such as soaked hay cubes, pellets, or mashes, are usually easier for them to consume, helping to prevent weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.

In this guide, we explore the reasons for tooth extraction in horses, the steps involved in the procedure, and what horse owners need to know about post-operative care to ensure a smooth recovery. Understanding the importance of dental health and proactive care can help prevent complications and keep your horse happy and healthy.

Tooth Extraction in Horses

Tooth extraction (also known as exodontia) is a dental procedure involving the removal of one or more teeth from its socket in the jaw bone (mandible). Exodontia is typically performed when a tooth is damaged, diseased, or causing issues that cannot be resolved through other dental treatments.

In horses, tooth extraction is a relatively common procedure, but is still considered major oral surgery. [1] Horses are at a high risk of postoperative complications, which can sometimes be life-limiting and, in severe cases, may lead to euthanasia. [1][2]

Furthermore, horses that have had a dental extraction generally need more frequent dental care as the tooth opposite the extraction site no longer has an opposing surface to help grind it down. [3]

Dental Anatomy

Horse teeth grow continuously throughout their lifetime. Without regular teeth floating and dental exams, horses are at risk of uneven tooth growth and abnormal dental points, which can lead to issues like dysmastication (abnormal chewing) and mouth injuries.

It’s helpful for owners to familiarize themselves with equine dental anatomy so they can make informed decisions about their horse’s oral care.

Horse Teeth IllustrationfIllustration:

Tooth Types

Horses have a variety of tooth types which each serve specific purposes.

Table 1. Summary of equine dental anatomy. [3]

Type Upper Jaw Lower Jaw Total Location Description
Incisors 6 6 12
  • Front of mouth
  • Used for grasping and cutting feed
Canine Teeth (Tushes) 2 2 4
  • Immediately behind incisors
  • Usually only develop in males, very rarely in females
Wolf Teeth Up to 2 Up to 2, rarely 4
  • In front of premolars where the bit is placed
  • Small, vestigial teeth that may or may not develop
  • Sometimes thought to interfere with bit placement and removed
Premolars & Molars (Cheek Teeth) 6 Premolars
6 Molars
6 Premolars
6 Molars
24
  • Premolars: behind incisors
  • Molars: behind premolars
  • Form a continuous grinding surface (“dental arcade”) for chewing and grinding food

Age & Dental Development

Foals are born without teeth and develop them over the course of the first 6 to 9 months of their lives. They eventually develop 24 deciduous (baby) teeth. [4]

Permanent teeth begin to replace baby teeth around 2.5 years of age, and most horses have have a full set of permanent teeth by five years of age. The permanent teeth are much larger, longer, and rooted more deeply than baby teeth. [4]

Tooth Structure

Each equine tooth has three main parts.

  • Crown: The visible part of the tooth above the gumline. This is sometimes divided up into the reserve crown (the part that is below the gumline and gradually erupts over time) and the clinical crown (the part that sits above the gumline.) This part is made of dentin and enamel.
  • Root: The part of the tooth that is anchored into the jawbone. This part is made of dentin and covered by cementum.
  • Pulp cavity: The innermost part of the tooth that contains the nerves, blood vessels, and connection tissue.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction

In horses, tooth extraction is considered a last resort to stop the advancement of disease or to resolve excessive pain. [5][6]

The most common reasons for equine tooth extraction are: [6]

  • Tooth fractures
  • Broken or diseased teeth
  • Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EORTH)
  • Any condition that has already loosened the affected tooth

Tooth Fractures

Fractured teeth in horses can impact any part of the tooth, including both the crown and roots. Fractures can result from mouth injuries, chewing on hard objects, or from underlying dental disease. [7]

Fractured teeth may lead to pain, infection, and difficulty eating (dysmastication), which can impact the horse’s overall health and well being. [7]