OPEN WIDE, PLEASE
Orangutans go to the dentist, too. Our veterinarians handle everything from serious adult procedures to playful check-ups for young ones.
Recently, Herkules wasn’t feeling well. He was suffering from cavities and a fractured root tooth, which caused him pain and disrupted his eating habits. It was time for dental surgery to address these problems.
It is not uncommon for orangutans to chip their teeth or experience other dental injuries, as they often chew on branches, wood, or similar hard objects. Unfortunately, this behaviour can harm their dental structure. With a 97% genetic similarity to humans, orangutans have nearly identical dental anatomy, which explains why they experience comparable dental health issues.
Before our experienced medical team performed the procedure on Herkules, they sedated him and gently transported him in a wheelbarrow from his enclosure to the operating room. General anesthesia was necessary to ensure the male remained calm and pain-free throughout the surgery.
Our veterinarians began by cleaning the affected area and examining the condition of the other teeth. The operation involved several key steps: tooth extraction, cleaning and disinfection, and wound closure. The procedure demanded high precision, as the anatomy of an orangutan’s oral cavity is similar to that of humans but with much larger dimensions.
A little spray from the water bottle does the trick. The orangutans happily open their mouth for the dental check.
Orangutans, like humans, have two sets of teeth: 20 baby teeth and 32 permanent teeth. And like human children, our orangutan students in Forest School need regular check-ups to prevent any issues.
“These young ones are at the age where permanent teeth replace their baby teeth. Therefore, we’re doing routine dental checks to see if there is any damage or if their teeth are growing properly”, says vet Arga.
But how do you get the energetic bunch to open their mouths? You take advantage of their after-school playtime. In addition to climbing, swinging and solving food puzzles, there is Dr Arga’s water entertainment station. He sprays a gentle mist from a bottle into their mouth, and just like that, they open wide, showing off their pearly whites. What a fun way to go to the dentist!
Please find out more about our orangutan conservation work here.
Photos: ©BOSF
