A Red Deer dentist has purchased John Lennon's tooth from an auction held Saturday.

Micheal Zuk paid over C$30,000 for the cavity-filled molar.

"I'm actually surprised I got it for the price I did," Zuk told CTV News.

"I just think it's priceless."

The tooth was originally a gift to Lennon's housekeeper, Dorothy Jarlett, who passed the keepsake on to her daughter.

"This tooth just represents a major celebrity that we don't have anymore," Zuk said.

He explained that the state of the tooth can provide a glimpse into Lennon's personality.

"The condition of the tooth tells us something about him.

"For the cavity to be this large he probably wasn't seeing a dentist that regularly," he said, adding the molar was decayed with evidence of tartar.

Zuk said he planned to have the tooth mounted and put it on display at his office.

Having been a dentist for 25 years, Zuk also has the jaws of prehistoric creatures in his collection.

"This is the only piece of Beatles memorabilia that I have," he confessed.

The pricey purchase is expected to arrive later in the week.

With files from Jessica Earle