Supernumery Teeth

[Archiesmummy]

Archie has always had his teeth checked regularly. Today it was confirmed he has a supernumery tooth (412) and is going to need remedial work, 3 to 4 sessions. Supernumery teeth are a rare occurrence, trust my Archie to have one

I have been advised it would be very dangerous to remove it due to it being very close to a facial artery and also being very far back in his mouth would be a problem getting to.

He has never shown any signs of having it, thankfully, but can I expect any complications in the future?

Mind you, thinking about it, he ocassionally tosses his head and Tarrsteps mentioned she thought something was going on on that side when she rode him recently. Now it is being managed, should things settle down?

One last thing, does anyone know off hand whether insurance may cover remedial work. Will have to email my insurance company but wondered on the offchance whether any of you know on here.

 

[martha.75]

I know of a horse that was diagnosed with a supernumery tooth (312), the horse had to have routine dental work every 6 months or so to manage the overgrowth of this tooth. Approx 3 years after the diagnosis the tooth was removed as it caused a diastema (gap) 311/312 where food trapped causing serious pain.

 

[spaniel]

I had a horse last year who had had his extra tooth removed. It had started to cause problems and infection had got in underneath it and tracked into the sinus of the face. He was very miserable and full of snot/pus/disgusting cack. This had, apparently, been rumbling on for two years and he had been branded a headshaker at first and then diagnosed as having a chest/sinus infection.

The surgery was done through a bone flap on the front of the face just to the inner side of the eye socket and the tooth removed. This was paid for on his insurance and ongoing treatment was covered as he needed a lot of antibiotics plus extra dental care once he was home.

The surgery was carried out at The RVC and ongoing treatment carried out at home by good local vet and equine dental specialist.

 

[Clarey100]

My guy had an embyrological eptopic tooth! (Basically and extra one that had been growing since he was conceived) He has his teeth checked every six months and there was no sign until it rupture throught the gum line. It pushed the other two molars crooked. He had a habit of taking a hold and crossing his jaw and jumpig left. When this tooth appeared on the right side of his jaw it all made sense. He had it removed and then returned to work a much straighter calmer horse who became a snaffle mouthed horse after two years of struggling to hold him. The tooth was punched out of his lower jaw into the mouth and then removed orally. The "tooth" was 51/2 inchs long and 11/2 square ish!! The vet who performed the surgery said it was a once in a career removal. My horse was not insured but i am so pleased i had the surgery done. He must have been uncomfortable for such a long time but being honest and a good sort never stopped enjoying work just did it his own way - he is now reformed!! All the best - from my experience i would not hestitate in removing it (insurace should pay) Good luck i wish your horse all the best.