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    Discovery of 59,000-Year-Old Neanderthal Tooth Reveals Early Dental Practices

    Low4 articles covering this·5 news sources·Updated an hour ago·World
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    Neanderthal molar with evidence of ancient dental treatment

    Here's what it means for you.

    This groundbreaking discovery challenges our understanding of early human behavior and health practices.

    What happened

    Researchers found a 59,000-year-old Neanderthal tooth with signs of drilling, indicating early dental practices.

    The Context

    • The tooth was found in a cave in southern Siberia.
    • Experts are divided on whether the drilling was intentional or accidental.
    • This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the capabilities of Neanderthals.

    Takeaway

    This finding opens new avenues for understanding Neanderthal health practices and their cognitive abilities.

    This article was generated by AI from 4 verified sources and reviewed by A47 editorial systems.

    4 Articles
    Ars Technica

    Neanderthals drilled cavities to treat a toothache 59,000 years ago

    “Every time I go to the dentist, I think about that guy,” researcher says.

    Ars Technica — All

    Neanderthals drilled cavities to treat a toothache 59,000 years ago

    “Every time I go to the dentist, I think about that guy,” researcher says.

    The Guardian – Science

    Neanderthals used stone drills to treat cavities 59,000 years ago, tooth suggests

    Neanderthals are believed to have used stone drills to treat dental cavities nearly 60,000 years ago, as evidenced by a molar discovered in a cave in southern Siberia. The tooth features a deep hole likely created with a sharp, thin stone tool during...

    The Guardian

    Neanderthals used stone drills to treat cavities 59,000 years ago, tooth suggests

    Neanderthals are believed to have used stone drills to treat dental cavities nearly 60,000 years ago, as evidenced by a molar discovered in a cave in southern Siberia. The tooth features a deep hole likely created with a sharp, thin stone tool during...

    Scientific American

    59,000-year-old Neanderthal tooth may be oldest evidence of dentistry

    Archaeologists have analyzed a 59,000-year-old Neanderthal molar that appears to have been intentionally drilled, suggesting early forms of dental practices among prehistoric humans. This finding raises questions about the sophistication of Neanderth...

    Scientific American — Global

    59,000-year-old Neanderthal tooth may be oldest evidence of dentistry

    Archaeologists have analyzed a 59,000-year-old Neanderthal molar that appears to have been intentionally drilled, suggesting early forms of dental practices among prehistoric humans. This finding raises questions about the sophistication of Neanderth...

    Live Science

    'Exceptional' drilled tooth reveals Neanderthals practiced dentistry in Siberia 60,000 years ago

    A recent discovery in Siberia has revealed a 60,000-year-old Neanderthal tooth featuring a hole likely made by a stone drill, marking the oldest evidence of intentional dentistry known to date. This finding suggests that Neanderthals engaged in advan...