Taxidermy Question - Protecting Bear tooth from splitting / sealing surface

ceriksson

ceriksson

Salty Knife Nut<br>Moderator
Moderator
Rating - 100%
68   0   0
Location
Victoria, BC
I received a full tooth from a bear a few days ago as a gift. Unfortunately part of the root had split due to dryness.

I tried an experiment to lightly add moisture back into the ivory by putting it in a ziploc bag with a lightly damp towel. It actually worked better than expected and the tooth has puffed back up a little and the crack has closed up. It is still there of course but it is a hairline crack now.

I am thinking I should seal the tooth with some type of epoxy or some material that will stabilize the tooth and prevent it from splitting again.

Is this an appropriate course of action or am I out to lunch? If sealing it or protecting it in some way is the right thing to do, any recommendations on product and methodology?

I do not have a photo of the tooth I have due to not having a camera here but it looks like this:

variants_large_3455.jpg


The crack is along the root down the front of the root to the base of the tooth enamel itself. I'd like to keep the crack closed and it protected from further degradation.
 
the liquid type super glue will seep into cracks very well. dries hard and clear. I've used it to fill the very porous ends of antler on small projects. To seal the tooth I would touch the crack to the tip of a super glue applicator. It will draw CA in via capillary action. Once dried, mount the tooth somehow, perhaps pushed into playdoh or something similar and using a small paint brush, paint the top portion of the tooth. After it is well dried, mount it the opposite way and paint the bottom. A small brush and quick strokes will leave a very thin layer. CA can be buffed afterward if required.

For elephant ivory, a regular rubbing with mineral oil will help prevent checking due to low humidity.
 
One part Weldbond glue to 4 parts warm water. Let soak into the tooth. It will dry clear and completely seal it. This used to seal skulls as well....
 
I wish I had known about these ways before, I have a cougar skull from a Tom I shot quite a few years ago that has all the teeth split decision falling apart. I still got the mount of the cat but it would have been nice to know how to take care of the skull. I didn't think I would have had to take care of the skull after the taxi had finished with it. He never mentioned to me about it drying out, Live and learn the hard way sometimes. Thanks for the input, good thread.
 
Sure. Let it soak in the glue mixture and then remove and let it dry off. The glue is water soluble. Once the water evaporates, the glue sets up and prevents any more shrinkage and the resulting cracks.The glue dries clear. I have to add a caveat....I have not used this specifically on teeth but I see no reason why it wouldn't seal and preserve your bear tooth. It works well on skulls. Check out the Weldond website if you need more information.
 
Stabilize it, same as for wood burls, bone, and antler used for knife handles. Send it to a company that does this and it will be done well, buff and polish yourself at home.
 
I've had hippo teeth crack from stabilizing. I'm not sure but I think the extreme vacuum may have contributed.
 
powdermaker said:
Sure. Let it soak in the glue mixture and then remove and let it dry off. The glue is water soluble. Once the water evaporates, the glue sets up and prevents any more shrinkage and the resulting cracks.The glue dries clear. I have to add a caveat....I have not used this specifically on teeth but I see no reason why it wouldn't seal and preserve your bear tooth. It works well on skulls. Check out the Weldond website if you need more information.
Click to expand...

OK thanks. Ran to Cdn Tire and picked some up. It is sitting in the solution now. Will let it soak in really well before taking it out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom