Bai Yun is a panda at the San Diego Zoo—apparently with a taste for tough bamboo.
Her caretakers recently noticed she had chipped one of her lower canines. After providing her with an exam and X-rays, they anesthetized her, filled in the chip with a dental composite, and sealed the filling with a light. To top it all off? A thorough cleaning.
Meg Sutherland-Smith, associate director of the zoo’s veterinary services said: “The good news is the pulp canal hadn't been compromised, but it's very close to breaking into the pulp canal.”
Considering Bai Yun is 23, dental work is to be expected. Pandas subsist primarily on bamboo and can spend up to 12 hours a day snacking on the tough stuff. It’s natural that their teeth get worn down over time.
Bai Yun is one of many giant pandas on loan from China at the San Diego Zoo. The Chinese Academy of Science works with the zoo to study the conservation, genetics, ecology and behavior of pandas.
The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 106 Lenora Street, Seattle, WA 98121. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.
