Our Commitment to Dentistry
Here at Foundation Equine, we LOVE dentistry! We are committed to providing the best dental care possible, and stay up-to-date on the latest research and recommendations for equine oral health.
We never pay for referrals, so if you've received a recommendation for our dental care, you can be assured it is genuine!
Dr. Kivett is fully licensed in the state of North Carolina, insured, and carries board certification in Equine Medicine.
Comprehensive Dental Examinations
Like other species, horses experience many different problems that can only be identified with a complete examination. The old days of simply "rasping" teeth with no regard to the individual horse's needs are over! Every horse should receive a complete dental examination yearly, or more frequently if major issues are found. Some horses may not need to be evaluated every year, but only a good examination can reveal if this is the case for your horse.
So what does a complete examination entail? Our dental evaluations start with a physical exam and evaluation of the horse's head, facial symmetry, and incisor alignment. After light standing sedation, we place a full-mouth speculum to open the mouth and an LED light bar to illuminate all areas inside. Each tooth is examined individually with a mirror, picks and probes. If a problem is found, we use an endoscope (long camera) to investigate it "up close and personal" and take photos for the record. We very commonly find overgrown portions of teeth (hooks, ramps, wave mouth), cavities, mis-aligned teeth, periodontal disease, infected spaces between teeth (this is called a diastema), loose or broken teeth, and ulcers or lacerations of the cheeks and tongue.
When an abnormality is identified, a specific correction can be made to alleviate the problem. We use precision tools to allow for correction of individual problems, rather than a rasp that files all teeth simultaneously. Lacerations and ulcers that are associated with sharp points on the teeth will heal once the sharp point is rounded. Hooks, ramps and waves (overgrowth of teeth that occur when teeth are not grinding in perfect alignment) are corrected (in stages if they are severe). Other targeted therapies for periodontal disease, cavities and other abnormalities are used when needed.
Our examinations are an interactive experience when a client is interested. We are always happy to show you the inside of your horse's mouth, let you observe abnormalities with the mirror and endoscope, and feel sharp overgrowths. Any abnormality is discussed and a plan is finalized with you before we do any dental corrections.
Want more information? See our Frequently Asked Questions section for more information!
Not sure how to choose an equine dental care provider? Here's what you need to know, and questions you need to ask!
Pricing:
Complete Dental Exam and Basic Treatment Package: 165
Package includes: physical exam, light standing sedation, dental function evaluation, full oral examination (with LED lights, full mouth speculum, mirror, dental picks and probes), dental endoscopy (evaluation of abnormalities with a camera inside the mouth), routine "float," correction of simple dental abnormalities, incisor evaluation and cleaning. You are provided with a digital copy of your horse's exam chart and photographic records.
Image Gallery- Click the photos for larger images, and hover over to see captions.
