It's not a job for the faint-hearted.
A tiger has undergone root canal surgery at Knowsley Safari Park in what must be one of dentistry's toughest tasks.
Kuzma, a 10-year-old, 200kg male, needed treatment on his teeth after a routine examination, and was put under anaesthetic as 13 professionals set to work to give him a root canal at the park near Liverpool
The anaesthesia meant that Kuzma could not regulate his body temperature during the surgery, so bubble wrap mittens were created and duvets wrapped around him to keep him warm.
During the procedure an x-ray was used to check all of Kuzma’s gnashers and found he had a broken root in one of his cheek teeth, which was removed to prevent any further pain.
The procedure took four-and-a-half hours to complete, and will prevent Kuzma from getting infection or pain in the future as a result of exposed tooth rot.
Jen Quayle, the vet at Knowsley Safari said: "Tigers' teeth are a bit like icebergs.
"The tooth that you see above the gum is just part of the story.
"The canine tooth's root runs much deeper into the gum and in a tiger as much as two-thirds of the tooth is hidden inside the jawbone.
"The procedure meant we didn't have to resort to more intrusive surgery, while relieving Kuzma of any pain and making it much more comfortable for him during mealtimes.
Read more of today's top stories here
"Kuzma has responded really well and quickly tucked into his tea not long after the procedure."
It is hoped that Kuzma will breed as part of conservation efforts, with roughly 500 Amur tigers left in the wild.
