Odontoplasty – are we rasping too much?

Sharp enamel points of equine teeth has been rasped for centuries and it is the most commonly performed procedure in equine dentistry. In modern dentistry odontoplasty procedure (rasping/floating) provides a healthy and functional occlusion of all teeth by occlusal equilibration. Althought there is worldwide practical knowledge how to perform this practice, the evidence based scientific research is still minimal or none. Veterinarians need to take special care to do no harm to the teeth of the horse when performing these procedures. Hence it is essential to know equine dental anatomy and physiology. Treament plan should always be based on diagnosis of dental related problems. This should be followed by complete ja thorouhg oral examination. When perfoming odontoplastic procedures without adequate knowledge, irreverible damages (iatrogenic pulpitis) can be caused, which in turn can lead to extraction of the tooth. Unnecessary floating should also be avoided to ensure that when the horse reaches its geriatric age, there is still reserve crown left as much as possible.