The zoo's only sumatran tiger got a visit from dentists today, and it wasn't just for a cleaning either.

  Seventeen-year-old Besar came to the zoo with a broken kanine, and dentists decided it was time to take care of the problem.

   Besar is considered a rare animal.

Miller Park Zookeeper Wendy Klessig said, “Besar's getting older, tiger's and lions and bigger cats generally live into their early twenties so he's having some older age issues.”

  Zookeepers knew Besar had some tooth trouble, and while he never showed any signs of pain, vets took a close look in that massive mouth.

  Klessig said, “Wild animals are very good at masking any pain or any illness because in the wild they act ill, they're going to be attacked.”

  Zoo Superintendent John Tobias said, “The keepers noticed there was something that didn't look right, and we were able to get him to open his mouth.”

  That’s when they found only an infection, and decided it was time for Basar to get a root canal.

  Basar's teeth are much larger than yours, the surgery is expected to last up to three hours, but don't worry, zookeepers say he won't be in much pain while he recovers.

  Tobias he'll be in no more pain than you or i from the dentist and they'll give him any antibiotics or drugs to combat infection.

  While tigers do have a wild streak.

  Klessig said, “Bessar's not the most friendliest of tigers, um he's not that keen on even me and i feed him five days a week.”

  Zookeepers say he is an important member of the zoo family.

  Klessig said,  “He's a wonderful ambassador to those that are left in the wild, there aren't many tigers left so it's good that people can come to miller park zoo and see one in person.”

  Basar wasn't the only animal that went under the knife at the zoo. Their Malayan sun bear also got a root canal this afternoon.