Cheek Tooth Extraction: Aftercare

Once your horse recovers from sedation (alert and head at or above midline), they can resume their normal feeding routine. This ensures they are fully awake and able to eat safely.

Your horse was given an NSAID (Ketofen) during their extraction to limit pain and swelling. Horses generally do well after this procedure and do not require additional pain medications. However, please let us know if your horse has difficulty chewing or seems painful, and we can discuss pain management options to ensure their comfort.

An antibiotic was prescribed for your horse to prevent infection. Please let us know if your horse experiences diarrhea while on this medication, as it could be a side effect that needs attention.

The socket where the tooth was removed has been packed with a purple, rubber-like material. This helps prevent food from getting stuck in the socket and aids in healing. It is not a concern if you notice this packing falls out. If you happen to find this packing, it is normal for it to be quite smelly due to its function in the healing process.

A recheck is recommended 2-4 weeks after the extraction to monitor the healing progress. Additional rechecks may be recommended depending on how well the socket is healing.