440 Nicholson Rd, Forrestdale WA 6112
(08) 9397 1286
reception@dentalvet.com.au
Uno
Patient Information
How Root Canal Therapy Saved Uno the Irish Sport Horse's Smile
The image shows a similar case and highlights how subtle the signs are of very serious disease! The red arrows point to open, infected pulp cavities and a dead, infected part of the tooth, the green arrows show the normal covering over the healthy pulps.
Patient History
An Ordinary Dental Visit Leads to an Extraordinary Discovery
Uno was presented for her routine dental examination, with her owner anticipating a straightforward checkup with no surprises. Uno was eating normally and showed no outward signs of discomfort or disease.
Her owner hadn’t noticed any behavioural changes or issues with chewing. On the surface, all seemed well.
Presenting Problem
Minor Symptoms Reveal Major Dental Disease
During her sedated oral examination in the dental stocks, the vet observed that Uno was favouring the right (off) side of her mouth, with most feed concentrated there. Closer inspection with an oral endoscope revealed her fourth upper left cheek tooth (tooth 209) had all five pulp cavities open to the oral cavity. They were filled with decayed feed material and bacteria where blood vessels and nerves should have been.
Radiographs confirmed Uno had a root infection, and a subsequent CT scan revealed a draining tract (a tunnel of infection) extending from the tooth root toward the sinus cavity. Although there were no outward signs of sinus disease at this stage, the infection was likely days from breaching the sinus. After reviewing treatment options with the owner, it was decided that root canal therapy (RCT) was the best course of action, with the aim of saving the tooth.
“We work with the mantra that ‘If you extract the tooth, you have failed. You have failed to save the tooth’. In many cases we have no choice, but when there is another option, we always prefer to save the tooth.”
Dr Kirsten Jackson
Diagnostics & Treatment
Tooth-Sparing Root Canal Therapy: Preventing Sinus Complications
Uno was sedated in stocks under a constant-rate infusion to maintain steady comfort and pain relief throughout the procedure. She was also placed on intravenous fluids to keep her hydrated and reduce the risk of post-operative complications.
Once relaxed, the endodontic procedure began. The infected pulp canals (the space inside the tooth that should contain nerves and blood vessels) were carefully cleaned using a combination of hand endodontic files and motorised files in a reciprocating handpiece. Sodium hypochlorite and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) gel were alternated as disinfectants, with thorough flushing between applications. Tiny dental brushes were used to scrub the canals.
The treatment was performed over two sessions. Between visits, calcium hydroxide paste was placed in the canals to continue killing bacteria. CT imaging provided precise guidance on canal depth (up to 5cm), ensuring meticulous cleaning until all instruments and bright white paper points emerged completely clean, confirming the canals were clean and ready to seal.
To fill the canals, the Dental Vet team used a flowable mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) developed in collaboration with human endodontists. Unlike traditional calcium hydroxide paste, MTA sets solidly within the tooth, bonding to dentine, trapping and killing bacteria, and promoting biological repair of the surrounding bone and periodontal ligament (the connective tissue that secures the tooth to the bone). Its durability also makes the tooth more resistant to fracture.
After the MTA was placed, a bulk-fill resin composite was applied as a hard restorative layer. This layer will gradually wear down and typically needs replacement every two to three years, but the underlying canals remain sealed. Post-operatively, Uno received pain relief, oral fluids, paraffin oil, and electrolytes to aid recovery.
“Our custom-formulated MTA allows us to save equine teeth that once would have been extracted, preserving comfort, function, and longevity.”
Dr Kirsten Jackson
Outcome
Comfort Restored and Complications Avoided
A year on and repeat CT scans and radiographs show no signs of infection around the tooth root, and the draining tract is healing beautifully. Uno managed to avoid a sinus infection, literally by the skin of her teeth!
Thanks to root canal therapy, Uno retained a functional, pain-free tooth. She also avoided the discomfort and complications of extraction, as well as the need for sinus surgery. As her tooth was preserved, she didn’t require six-monthly dental adjustments, which are generally required after extraction to manage overgrowth of the opposing tooth, another positive for both horse and owner.
Acknowledgements: Special thanks to the team at The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University for performing Uno’s CT scans. Their detailed imaging was instrumental in planning and achieving a successful outcome.
Uno’s tooth at her initial treatment- the yellow arrow shows the draining tract to the sinus
Uno’s mouth one year after treatment- the orange arrow shows the healing tract with new bone formation
“We were just in the nick of time — Uno kept her tooth, avoided sinus surgery, and was able to maintain her comfortable, functioning mouth.”
Dr Kirsten Jackson
The grinding surface of Uno’s treated tooth at her one year recheck showing the sealed pulp canals
The radiograph shows the treated tooth with no sign of infection or inflammation around the tooth.
Meet the Author
Dr Kirsten Jackson is the Owner and Director of Dental Vet and is passionate about her craft, treating every patient with the time, care and consideration she would give her own.
She is dedicated to improving the comfort and wellbeing of horses and other equine patients through advanced, preventative and compassionate dental care.
Key Takeaways
Many painful and serious dental conditions can have no outward signs at all.
Routine dental exams and advanced imaging can detect problems before symptoms and serious complications appear.
Root canal therapy (RCT) can preserve equine teeth that once required extraction.
Modern materials such as MTA improve long-term tooth strength and reduce re-treatments
Advice for Owners
Even if your horse appears to be eating normally, subtle changes like chewing on one side, may signal an underlying issue.
Regular dental examinations allow early detection and treatment before infection spreads and becomes more serious.
Learn more about the difference regular dental checks can make on our blog.
FAQs
Do I need a referral?
No referral needed. In fact, we love to see your horse before any issues arise. Preventative dental care keeps your horse’s mouth healthy, so don’t put off going to the dentist. We do also accept referrals from veterinarians for advanced procedures, and will happily work with your vet to keep care seamless.
How do I book an appointment?
You can contact us directly to arrange an appointment on our online booking form or by emailing us at reception@dentalvet.com.au. Alternatively you can call (08) 9397 1286. We also work closely with referring veterinarians, sharing records and updates so your horse receives continuous care.
What’s included in a Dental Vet dental exam?
Every Dental Vet appointment is designed to give your horse a thorough, comfortable, and evidence-based dental assessment. Our experienced veterinarians take the time to thoroughly examine your horse, supported by our nursing team to ensure each visit runs smoothly.
Your horse’s appointment includes:
- A physical examination, including listening to the abdomen for signs of sand.
- A seven-point external head assessment to check for changes linked to dental disease.
- A comprehensive oral examination using a speculum, lights, and endoscopy to assess all teeth and oral tissues.
- Treatment of periodontal disease, if necessary (additional fee may apply for extensive treatment).
- Floating and corrective work, including reduction of sharp points and overgrowths, plus a performance float for bitted horses.
- Discussion of findings, next steps, as well as a dental chart emailed to you with home-care recommendations, so you understand each step.
- Optional bit fit assessment if you have bitting concerns.
Does Dental Vet accept pet insurance?
Yes, many equine insurance policies cover advanced veterinary dental treatment when performed by a registered vet. However, it’s always advisable to contact your pet insurer and check on your policy inclusions before the appointment.
What symptoms might indicate that my horse has a dental problem?
Horses are prey animals and instinctively mask their pain and discomfort, which means dental disease often goes unnoticed until it’s advanced. The signs can be extremely subtle, even the colour of the dentin overlying a 2mm pulp on the surface of the tooth can indicate whether a tooth is healthy or abscessed. By the time symptoms are noticeable, the problem may already be severe and require more extensive (and costly) treatment.
That’s why regular professional dental checks are so important, even if your horse seems completely normal.
If your horse shows any of the signs below, please contact us for a diagnostic examination as soon as possible:
- Dropping feed or slow eating
- Bit resistance or head tossing
- Weight loss or difficulty maintaining condition
- Nasal discharge or foul breath
- Quidding (spitting out half-chewed hay)
- Chewing on one side only
- Dunking feed or rinsing mouth in water trough
- Facial swelling or sensitivity to touch
What is your sedation policy?
Our patients are given a light, controlled sedation for their dental procedure. This keeps them calm and comfortable and ensures we can do a thorough examination, diagnostics and treatment. During our detailed examinations we assess over 140 pulp cavities, as well as infundibula and all dental and soft tissue structures with precision, while protecting both horse and handler. Each horse is individually assessed before sedation, and reversing agents and emergency medications are always on hand.
Whether you've got a new foal, referring a patient for review, or are worried about your horse's wellbeing, we're here to help!