Pullman Veterinarians Perform Root Canal on Grizzly Bear
The 11-year-old bear named Adak received specialized dental care at the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary dentists at the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital recently performed a root canal on an 11-year-old grizzly bear named Adak. The procedure was required to address a chipped canine tooth the bear sustained while wrestling.
Why it matters
The dental intervention ensures Adak maintains a functional tooth, which is necessary for the grizzly bear to engage in normal, healthy behavior. Such specialized care requires the resources of a major teaching hospital, as the Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Center cannot perform these operations on-site.
The 11-year-old grizzly bear Adak underwent the operation after sustaining a chipped canine tooth. The dental team successfully cleaned the nerve and blood supply before sealing and filling the tooth to restore function.
The players
Adak
Adak is an 11-year-old grizzly bear living at the Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Center.
Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
This facility provides specialized veterinary services and clinical training in Pullman, Washington.
Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Center
The center is a specialized facility dedicated to the study and conservation of bears.
The details
The procedure involved a collaborative effort between staff at the Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Center and the university dental team. Veterinarians cleaned the exposed nerve and blood supply of the damaged tooth before sealing the root and filling the hole to prevent future complications.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: The dental procedure was detailed in a report.
Culture Shift
This surgery follows the rigorous clinical standards set by the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for managing the health of captive wildlife. It reflects a broader shift toward providing advanced medical care to non-domesticated animals to ensure their quality of life.
The successful treatment of Adak ensures the continued exhibition and educational availability of the bear at the center. Residents can continue to visit the facility, knowing that the animals receive specialized medical attention when injuries occur.
The takeaway
Maintaining the dental health of large wildlife is essential for their ability to thrive in a research or conservation setting. Expert intervention prevents minor accidents from evolving into significant health issues that could limit an animal's natural behaviors.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in Veterinary Medicine practiced at local institutions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KXLY kxly.com.
