Just like humans, orangutans also require proper dental care, including regular check-ups and specialized treatment. Recently, one of the male orangutans in our rehabilitation centre underwent a dental operation due to issues with his teeth, including caries and fractured root teeth. These issues require special care, as they can cause pain, infection, and even disrupt the orangutan’s eating habits.
Dental problems like caries and fractured root teeth are not exclusive to humans but can also affect primates, including orangutans. Caries is a condition caused by bacterial activity on food residues. These bacteria produce acids that erode the tooth enamel, creating cavities. On the other hand, fractured root teeth refer to a condition where the tooth root cracks or breaks, often due to trauma or excessive pressure on the tooth.
In humans, common causes of fractured root teeth include chewing on hard objects, direct trauma to the mouth, or overuse of teeth, such as when eating very hard foods.
Similar factors can lead to similar conditions in primates like orangutans. In both natural habitats and rehabilitation centres, orangutans sometimes chew on branches, wood, or other hard objects. Unbeknownst to them, this behaviour can damage their dental structure. With a 97% genetic similarity to humans, orangutans share almost identical dental anatomy, making it unsurprising that they face similar dental health issues.
The dental procedure on the male orangutan was carried out by our experienced medical team. The process required general anesthesia to ensure the orangutan remained calm and free from pain throughout the procedure. Once sedated, 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 also wound closure. The extraction of teeth with fractured and damaged roots is performed carefully. This procedure also involves the use of specialized tools to avoid damaging the surrounding tissues.
After the tooth is extracted, our veterinarian cleans the area to eliminate bacteria or any remaining tissue that could cause an infection. Next, the extraction wound is sutured using a special, safe thread that will dissolve on its own after a few weeks. This procedure requires a high level of precision. Although the oral cavity of orangutans has an anatomy similar to that of humans, it differs in terms of its larger size. This procedure demanded a high level of precision, as the anatomy of an orangutan’s oral cavity is similar to that of humans but with larger dimensions.
Following the surgery, the male orangutan was transferred to a recovery room within the rehabilitation centre’s clinic. The next step taken by our veterinary team was administering antibiotics and pain relievers to alleviate discomfort following the surgery.
In addition, this male orangutan was put on a soft diet for several weeks to reduce the strain on his oral cavity. Our medical team also conducted regular monitoring to observe the progress and healing of his wounds. Within approximately one month, the male orangutan began to fully recover. He was able to chew hard food again and displayed signs of vitality as usual.
Dental care is not only vital for humans but also for primates like orangutans, especially those in rehabilitation centres. Untreated dental issues can significantly impact their health and well-being, particularly in terms of their ability to eat and survive.
Furthermore, this case highlights the many similarities between humans and orangutans, including in health aspects. Therefore, conservation efforts like rehabilitation and health monitoring are crucial to ensuring their well-being. With the dedicated hard work of our medical team, this orangutan can now live comfortably and pain-free, a testament to the importance of ongoing conservation and healthcare initiatives for these remarkable primates.
Text by: Communication Team, BOS Foundation Headquarters, Bogor, West Java
Will you help us rescue, rehabilitate and release orangutans back to freedom? Thank you!
