Neanderthal molar suggests dentistry 59,000 years ago (opens in new tab)

A study published May 13 in PLOS One identifies a roughly 59,000-year-old Neanderthal lower molar from Chagyrskaya Cave in Russia’s Altai region as possible evidence that Neanderthals intentionally treated a cavity with a stone tool. The tooth has a deep central opening that reaches the pulp cavity, and researchers interpreted the feature as drilling to remove decayed tissue and relieve pain.Highlights:Tooth surface: The molar also has toothpick grooves along its sides, indicating repeated ma...