Power floating or hand floating?

Barbara F · Grand Prix

Power floating or hand floating?

sedonasilver · Advanced

I generally have Lorenzo's teeth done annually - just last week actually, and it was with an electric file.

He's had it done both ways, and it doesnt seem to bother him. Mind you, both dentists issued a mild sedative first but that is common practice here.

Electric was much quicker. The dentist was saying she used to use the hand files but after 25 years her shoulders now play up so she switched to power and she believes it is just as effective.

prospect · Advanced

power all the way - hand floating is really a waste of time and keeps the horse too long in the jaw opener.

dbliron · Advanced

I'm a big fan of power floating. Anyone who thinks that hand floating's the way to go should try it with a skull, and find out just how much has to go into making any difference at all. It's harder on the vet or dentist, and much harder on the horse.

My vets use Domosedan and Ketoprofen, and a speculum, and they clip a light to the speculum, so all is revealed! It only takes about 8 minutes with the power float, and I have yet to experience any problems at all with their mouths or bitting since switching, in fact, I'm positive we've had fewer mouth problems.

Horse-hearted · Advanced

I really think it depends on the vet. Some are strong enough to use a hand float effectively, some aren't.

spirithorse · Advanced

Hand !!!

Diamond_Jubilee · Well Schooled

We use a dentist who power floats and not only does he do an amazing job, he's very fast! I have noticed a huge improvement in our ponies once they are done (we get them done every spring).

Roka · Well Schooled

My vet does hand floating and does a good job. I have never seen power floating so I couldn't comment on that. My old mare needs her teeth done every year now.

Horse-hearted · Advanced

Some horses need to be done more then others. As a wearer of braces for five years, I can comment that people all have different teeth, so it makes sense that horses do too.

Nikki Salo · Grand Prix

Power float by an equine dentist! I find it comes down to the veterinarian and what they specialize in, which will result in either a good float or a bad float with either a power float or done by hand. I like the power float because it saves time in the horse's mouth, and save'sthe veterinarian's arm/s as well. I always like to hold the flash light and ask a lot of annoying questions about horse teeth, I think that is why my vet prefers the power float as well aww