These hooks can lacerate the cheeks and gums. Today these larger hooks are often removed by use of a motorized rotary burr while the horse is sedated. Even horses with properly aligned teeth will develop numerous sharp points along their grinding cheek teeth. Removing these points with a file is called floating. Floating is done routinely every six months to a year to allow the horse more comfort, and to prevent check and tongue lacerations.
Horses can abscess teeth that crack, or loosen with advanced age.
Equine dentistry is often neglected and the horses suffer, and riders or trainers have more difficulty than necessary when riding. Equine dentistry is a physically and mentally demanding profession. Many horses can have routine dental exams and maintenance work done without sedation. Some uncooperative patients, and painful procedures necessitate sedation. Equine dental technicians can often provide routine maintenance and sometimes work with veterinarians on difficult cases that require sedation, antibiotics, radiographs, or surgery.