Giant Alaskan Bear Gets a Crown!
When an 800-pound, 9-foot-tall bear needs dental work, it takes more than a routine appointment. Zoo staff and dental specialists teamed up for a remarkable and safe procedure to restore Tundra’s toothy grin.
In a unique display of dental care, Tundra, an 800-pound, 9-foot-tall Alaskan black bear, recently received a crown to protect a damaged tooth, highlighting the challenges of treating such a massive patient. Special precautions, including the presence of an armed response team, ensured everyone’s safety during the operation. The restoration was performed by Grace Brown, DVM, DAVDC, a veterinary dentist. She had previously provided root canal therapy to Tundra a few years ago. Now back in his habitat at Lake Superior Zoo in Northeastern Minnesota, Tundra, who is 6-years-old, is enjoying life as usual, thanks to expert teamwork and some impressive dental craftsmanship. Brown plans to submit a case study to the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry. Click here to read more.
