Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) Dentition and Tusk Extraction Techniques.

Walruses are characterized by their tusks, which are used for defense, ice-picking and hauling-out; however, these tusks are commonly worn in animals in captivity, resulting in pulpitis, pulp necrosis, and dental disease. The curative treatment is tusk extraction under general anesthesia. This article describes extraction techniques and mentions tusk protection using prosthetic crowns.