Chester Zoo has made history with the world’s first-ever endodontic treatment on a two-toed sloth to address a painful toothache. Rico, the 25-year-old sloth, underwent the groundbreaking procedure with the help of expert veterinarians and dental specialists from Newcastle University.
The zoo announced the achievement, saying, “World FIRST as Rico the sloth undergoes ground-breaking dental treatment!”
Rico trained to participate in X-rays
The procedure, a significant milestone in animal care, was required to treat an infection in Rico’s molars. Remarkably, zoo keepers trained Rico to voluntarily participate in his own X-rays, which confirmed the success of the operation.
“A three-dimensional scan showed that routine root canal treatment would not be possible,” said Dave Edwards, clinical fellow at Newcastle University’s School of Dental Sciences, in an interview with ITV News.
“We undertook surgery to remove the abscess and complete an ‘apicectomy’. This involved removing the end of the tooth root and sealing it with special cement.”
Three-hour surgery
The three-hour surgery, performed at Chester Zoo’s animal care centre, involved removing infected tissue from Rico’s molars. Unlike a typical root canal, the team accessed the tooth from the bottom, using special cement to seal the root, as reported by the BBC.
Fiona Beddis, a dentist with Newcastle University’s School of Dental Sciences, called the procedure a “step into the unknown” but expressed relief at the successful outcome. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to treat such a rare and beautiful animal,” she said.
The treatment is part of Chester Zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts to protect two-toed sloths, a species threatened by habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade.
After the surgery, Rico is slowly returning to his favourite snacks, though at the leisurely pace typical of his species.
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