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Member
Posts: 10
| While I know the difference between the two; I would like some more information/opinions from others. Pros and cons? Which do you prefer and why so? I am taking my horses in to have there teeth floated (my horses get their teeth done every year). I am using a different vet then I have used in the past and they are INSISTING on doing the power float; says the power floats are more efficient and that hand floats are basically a waste of money. My vet previous always just did the hand floats, said because I kept up on the maintenance that the power floats were not necessary. I have had a power float done on a couple of horses years ago and the outcome did not turn out the best. Thank you. |
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 It Goes On
Posts: 2262
 
Location: Muskogee, OK | In experienced hands, the power float is the way to go. It absolutely can do a more efficient job than a hand float. However, it is worth noting that in inexperienced hands power floats CAN do damage. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 417
Location: CA | My vet always recommends a hand float unless the teeth have been neglected for some time or there is a specific issue that needs to be addressed. He says the power float takes off too much teeth and should only be done as needed. Otherwise there's not much left when they get to their senior years. |
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 Star Padded Honey
Posts: 8890
  
Location: NW MT | WY Can Chaser - 2014-01-09 4:09 PM While I know the difference between the two; I would like some more information/opinions from others. Pros and cons? Which do you prefer and why so? I am taking my horses in to have there teeth floated (my horses get their teeth done every year). I am using a different vet then I have used in the past and they are INSISTING on doing the power float; says the power floats are more efficient and that hand floats are basically a waste of money. My vet previous always just did the hand floats, said because I kept up on the maintenance that the power floats were not necessary. I have had a power float done on a couple of horses years ago and the outcome did not turn out the best. Thank you.
First off, there are VERY FEW vets I would let touch my horses' mouths. If you are in WY, you have one of the best equine dentists in the country in your state. If you want information, let me know. |
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  Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | Rockyroad - 2014-01-09 4:41 PM WY Can Chaser - 2014-01-09 4:09 PM While I know the difference between the two; I would like some more information/opinions from others. Pros and cons? Which do you prefer and why so? I am taking my horses in to have there teeth floated (my horses get their teeth done every year). I am using a different vet then I have used in the past and they are INSISTING on doing the power float; says the power floats are more efficient and that hand floats are basically a waste of money. My vet previous always just did the hand floats, said because I kept up on the maintenance that the power floats were not necessary. I have had a power float done on a couple of horses years ago and the outcome did not turn out the best. Thank you. First off, there are VERY FEW vets I would let touch my horses' mouths. If you are in WY, you have one of the best equine dentists in the country in your state. If you want information, let me know.
And who be this feller? |
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | It's all in the hands of the operator. |
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Sock Snob
Posts: 3021
| I had a very reputable horse dentist come out and do a hand float within a month my horse was acting the same. While my vet was out to the house we looked at her teeth left a hook or too just did not take enough off. A horse needs to be sediates and head on a stand where you can see if what you take off is flush or level, and to leave a bit seat. I carried the same horse to a big time practice before the next ahow season cause sqme horse had a ramp, the horse dentist worked on it but the vet fixed she showed me as she was doing it and i could see what she did. Did not have to do that horse for amother 2 years. I learned my lesson and my regular vet has a power float and does a good job. |
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Veteran
Posts: 294
| I power float. |
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Member
Posts: 10
| Thank you for all the replies.
RockyRoad - if you would like to share your info (here or PM), I would greatly appreciate it! I am located in southwest Wyoming.
I do agree that both can be good or bad depending on who performs the service. I have had the same vet do the hand floats I would say the last 8 years, and never had problems. Circumstances have brought about the vet change; the vet I am going to is very well known/recommended equine vet in Utah. I was going to go with the hand floats as I am more comfortable with them and to save a little money. I was wanting to hear your experiences/opinions to help me decide. |
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 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | my vet also floats teeth but he's very passionate about dental work and has been to countless continuing education courses and seminars on dentistry. I don't think I have seen anyone do as thorough a job as he does. My other all time favorite dentist is Dr. Scrutchfield, who is also a vet. He now only works on dentistry and does it part time. they both use power floats but a good dentist knows how to use a power float.
They have to keep the float moving and they can't really hammer on a single tooth for more than a few seconds or the heat can crack the tooth. That is the biggest concern. That and the inexperienced person with a power float can take way too much tooth off.
I wouldn't be afraid to use a vet to do my dental work if he has a passion for teeth. If they don't LIKE floating, I won't waste my time. I think thats when you get into trouble. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 631
Location: Somewhere in N.C. | I prefer hand float. I've been told the power float can cause damage from the heat and can also file more tooth than needed. I would use the power float only from a reliable vet/dentist if I had no choice. |
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Veteran
Posts: 102
| Just a small question ,do any of you guys think that a vet can stay in a horses mouth to long with a power float and cause damage? |
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | Related question: does your dentists take length off the front teeth at all? Good or bad or depends?? |
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Veteran
Posts: 102
| SORRY guys, I should have been more specific with my post in wandering about staying in a horses mouth with a power float to long in reference to jaw problems. |
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Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | ..
Edited by hammer_time 2014-01-09 9:39 PM
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 Sweet Tea
Posts: 3496
Location: Home of the World Famous "Silver Bullet" | barrelracingchick16 - 2014-01-09 6:13 PM In experienced hands, the power float is the way to go. It absolutely can do a more efficient job than a hand float. However, it is worth noting that in inexperienced hands power floats CAN do damage.
power floats, there is no contest. also i must say, very few vets are dentist. most vets do not know what to do with power floats. |
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Sweet Tea
Posts: 3496
Location: Home of the World Famous "Silver Bullet" | hammer_time - 2014-01-09 10:36 PM Related question: does your dentists take length off the front teeth at all? Good or bad or depends??
the front teeth are cut down to balance the work done on the jaw teeth. if not the horse may not be able to chew his food because the jaw teeth will not touch. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1229
Location: Royal J Performance Horses, AZ | Power foat hands down, much more efficient. and does the job right the first time, I've had it done on all my horses for several years now and dont plan on changing |
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Member
Posts: 10
| I cant say that I have seen my vet file down on the front teeth... like was said I would think it would have something to do with balancing out the horses jaw movement so they could eat/chew effeciently. |
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My mind still works
Posts: 8912
| Nevertooold - 2014-01-09 5:54 PM It's all in the hands of the operator.
I agree with this. I like a power float with a bit set in. My vet always let me put my hand in so I could feel what she was feelings and I thought the teeth looked and felt better this way vs a hand float |
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