Researchers discover evidence of Neanderthal dental cavity treatment in 59,000-year-old tooth
Scientists analyzing a molar from Chagyrskaya Cave in Siberia identified tool marks and a cavity consistent with intentional drilling or excavation performed by a Neanderthal approximately 59,000 years ago. The tooth, published in PLOS One, features scratches and a deep hole extending into the pulp chamber, with experiments on modern teeth supporting the hypothesis that stone tools were used to expose and clean the cavity. The finding represents the earliest known evidence of dental intervention in human evolutionary history, though some experts note the evidence, while compelling, remains circumstantial regarding intent.
- CNNfirst
- Reuters+4.9 h
- NPR+5.3 h
Lightly covered so far
Too few outlets to map a left-right split. Here is each take as it stands.
“Tooth from Siberian cave reveals Neanderthal dental surgery - Reuters”
“59,000-year-old Neanderthal tooth shows earliest evidence of dentistry”
“Neanderthals may have drilled out a cavity 59,000 years ago”