Bear Tooth Extraction

Extracting an Arizona black bear premolar (P1) for aging by examining the annual rings in the cementum part of the tooth (cementum annuli). Obtaining the age on hunter-harvested bears is just one of the pieces of scientific data biologists use to properly manage bear populations and protect against overharvest. Bears have 4 P1 teeth directly behind the large canines. Mtn Lions/Pumas/Cougars have only 2 P1 teeth on the top (skull) right behind the canines.

Start with a small sharpened standard screwdriver (cheapest option) or preferably a dental elevator (most expensive option) to cut away the connective tissue around the root of the tooth. Slide the tool down between the shaft of the tooth and the gum. Wiggle the tool with a slight rotating motion as you would use a screwdriver. At first you will make no progress, move the tool to a new spot next to it and try again. Keep working around the tooth and after 1-2 times around the tooth the tool will start to sink in deeper. You have to separate the connective tissue from the side of the tooth all the way around. There is NO prying or pulling with pliers - EVER. After a few times around the tooth it will be displaced by the tool and fall out. If the gums are frozen you may have to slowly pour water over them to soften them. The tip of the root contains the clearest cementum annuli so it is very important that the tip is not broken off. Just keep cutting until the tooth is completely free and falls out.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• bear
• tooth
• extraction
• aging
• game
• management