A Root Canal for a Sloth? Yes—And It Was a Dental Milestone!
At Evergreen Dentistry, we love seeing smiles of all kinds — and that includes some rather unusual patients! In April 2025, a 25-year-old sloth named Rico made headlines after undergoing a rare and complex dental procedure at Chester Zoo, carried out by a team of experts from Newcastle University.
A Slow Patient, A Swift Response
Rico, a much-loved resident at Chester Zoo, had been suffering from two painful root abscesses — a condition many humans are familiar with, but rarely seen (or treated) in sloths. His caregivers noticed signs of discomfort, and veterinary investigations revealed the need for urgent intervention.
However, due to the unique anatomy of sloths, a traditional root canal simply wasn’t an option. So, the dental team turned to a more advanced solution: an apicectomy.
What Is an Apicectomy?
An apicectomy is a specialist procedure where the tip of the tooth root is surgically removed and the end of the root canal is sealed. It’s typically used when conventional root canal treatment isn’t feasible or hasn’t worked — and in Rico’s case, it was a perfect (if challenging) alternative.
The operation was not only successful, but it also saved the tooth, meaning Rico can continue enjoying his leafy snacks pain-free.
Training, Trust & Teamwork
What’s just as impressive as the surgery itself is how Rico’s zookeepers prepared him for treatment. Using gentle, reward-based training, they helped him become comfortable with regular health checks. This meant vets could monitor him closely — and even carry out the operation — without needing to use anaesthesia, which carries higher risks in exotic animals.
Why This Matters
Although we don’t treat sloths at Evergreen Dentistry (yet!), this story beautifully illustrates the importance of tailored dental care and how every patient — human or animal — benefits from compassion, precision, and innovation in dentistry.
It also reminds us that dental pain is universal, and no one should suffer silently. Whether it’s a root canal, an apicectomy, or a simple check-up, timely dental care makes all the difference.
Is Your Smile in Need of Care?
If you’re experiencing pain, sensitivity, or haven’t had a check-up in a while, our friendly team at Evergreen Dentistry is here to help. We may not treat sloths, but we do offer expert, gentle care for the whole family — and we’re just a call away.
📞 Book an appointment today and let us help you smile pain-free!