Wildlife Alliance

Nobody looks forward to a dental check-up, least of all a 550 lb. tiger sporting 3-inch long canines.

In March, a team of 15 veterinarians gathered at the Utyos Rehabilitation Center outside the Russian town of Khabarovsky to watch as Lyuti, a 15-year-old Amur tiger suffering from toothache, was treated and given a brand new golden tooth.

Lyuti had been suffering from toothache for more than a month and had refused food for three days before doctors tranquilized him in preparation for the dental operation.

This wasn’t Lyuti’s first trip to the dentist. Eight years ago, lumbermen attempting to trap the recently orphaned Lyuti broke several of his teeth. To keep the young Lyuti from starving to death, doctors fitted him with artificial gilt canines.

Working quickly lest their grumpy patient should wake up prematurely, the doctors treated Lyuti’s endodontitis and filled his teeth, while others monitored his reactions, blood pressure and heart.

Visitors to the Utyos Rehabilitation Center gathered to watch the surgery, and despite his old age, Lyuti’s 2-hour operation was a success.

Today Lyuti is once again in high spirits, eating well, and flashing a dazzling smile.