Rico is believed to be the first sloth to undergo this type of surgery, which was carried out by a team at Chester Zoo in collaboration with dental experts at Newcastle University.
The operation was carried out after keepers noticed swelling on either side of the two-toed sloth’s face and examination revealed two root abscesses.
Dentist Fiona Beddis said the university team had never performed this type of surgery on a sloth before, so “it really was a step into the unknown and we are very pleased with the successful outcome”.
Ms Beddis said treating Rico was the opportunity of a lifetime and “it was a huge privilege to treat such a rare and beautiful animal”.
Rico, 25, underwent a three-hour operation at Chester Zoo’s Animal Care Centre to remove infected tissue around two of the sloth’s teeth.
Unlike a typical root canal, dental experts worked from the base of Rico’s teeth.
Dave Edwards, from Newcastle University’s School of Dentistry, said the surgery involved cutting off the end of the tooth root and “sealing it with a special cement”.
He said that “working with sloths is very challenging due to their unique anatomy, but also a very rewarding experience”.
Charlotte Bentley, the zoo’s resident veterinarian, said the teeth they operated on were “highly specialised and sharp molars”.
She said sloths’ “teeth are very different to human teeth, which makes dental treatment challenging”.
She added: “While we were unable to save both teeth, the good news is that the abscesses have not returned since the surgery and the latest X-rays show that the fillings are still intact.”
“It’s safe to say that this treatment has definitely cured his toothache.”
Rico, who lives in the zoo’s jaguar enclosure alongside female two-toed sloth Tina, has been monitored regularly since the surgery.
Rico’s keeper Brittany Williams said it was “probably going to be a slow process to get Rico checked out after surgery because he’s going to move at his own pace”, but added: “I don’t mind a slow pace.”
Two-toed sloths are found across South America and face threats including habitat loss, logging and hunting for the illegal wildlife trade.
Chester Zoo is part of a conservation breeding programme that is working to protect the species across Europe.
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