Innovative Root Canal Found in 59k-Year-Old Neanderthal Tooth
Researchers replicated the procedure using jasper tools, finding linear marks matching the ancient tooth.
Neanderthals likely performed a root canal using a stone tool, suggesting cognitive flexibility and complex surgery.
Patient survived with severe dental damage, indicating the procedure was successful.
Discovery predates Homo sapiens evidence by over 40,000 years, challenging stereotypes about Neanderthal intelligence.
3 hours ago