Periodontics

Periodontal (gum) disease is a common and painful condition in horses, especially in older horses. It is most commonly caused by a diastema, which is a space between the teeth. Feed material gets packed into this space and causes periodontal disease. Treatment methods for periodontal disease caused by diastemata include odontoplasty to address any malocclusions causing the diastema, occlusal relief cuts, widening the diastema, or filling the diastema. Widening the space allows for food to cycle out of the diastema, rather than continuously packing in the space. This prevents food material and bacteria from travelling up the tooth and around the roots, causing an infection. Diastemata can also be temporarily filled to allow the gums around the tooth a chance to heal. 

Arrow pointing to a diastema before widening. Note the valve shaped space entrapping feed material.

Diastema after widening. The space is wide enough so feed material won't get trapped in the diastema.

Diastema before filling.

Diastema after filling. Feed material won't become entrapped and the gums will have a chance to heal.