Restorative dental treatments of abraded canine teeth in a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae).

A Sumatran tiger had developed severely abraded canine teeth by biting on cage-bars. This resulted in weakening and marked sensitivity of the teeth. Indications for, techniques of and complications of restorative dental treatments are described. The outcome of different restorative dental treatments indicates that endodontic treatment should be carried out first if the fracture of a weakened tooth is anticipated. To improve retention, the acid-etch technique is preferred in combination with macroretentive preparations. In this case, amalgam was used successfully in combination with composite resin to restore function to a canine tooth with a large distal defect.