Local veterinarians conducted a unique procedure Wednesday at the Palm Beach Zoo, repairing a cracked tooth on a large black bear.
Doctors said the bad tooth was creating a very painful situation for the 400-pound bear named Clark.
Dr. Jan Bellows and Dr. Genevieve Dumonceaux, Palm Beach Zoo's director of animal health, performed the procedure.
The cracked tooth caused Clark to not eat well, causing weight loss.
Using an anesthetic, doctors were able to remove the nerve and the piece of tooth that was causing Clark a lot of pain.
"Now the tooth is bonded and sealed from the beginning and it's not going to cause Clark any problems at all. We have a great crew here, wonderful anesthesia, great patient, and it was just a perfect procedure,” said Bellows.
Doctors said Clark will have a little discomfort for a few days, but he should make a full recovery.
How do you repair a 400-pound bears tooth? Very, very carefully. #ilovewpb #ThePalmBeaches #LoveFL https://t.co/hQbNqW05I2 pic.twitter.com/trV1uRf670
— Palm Beach Zoo (@PalmBeachZoo) December 15, 2016