Bear-sized tools tackled Ping Ping's fearsome fangs

Ping Ping was first x-rayed to check for infections or abscesses and then put under general anaesthetic.

"In Ping Ping's case there was no infection so we then just followed the basic root canal procedure involving the cleaning and filling of the tooth," Dr Wilson said.

Ping Ping chipped his left canine tooth in January. Vets took the decision to operate after the tooth discoloured slightly, fearing it could become infected and cause aggravation and pain.

Threat to survival

Chipped teeth are common in polar bears. In the wild they risk being left unable to hunt, feed and defend themselves and often die of starvation.

Kerrie Haynes-Lovell, Sea World's Head Polar Bear Keeper said Ping Ping seems to have recovered quickly from the operation and is displaying normal behavioural patterns.

However Ping Ping and Sea World's other polar bear, Kanook, may have to cut down on their favourite sweet snacks they get as a variation to their usual daily diet of fish and other seafood.