Scans of Neolithic tooth. 3-D scans of one of 11 9000 to 7500 year old teeth discovered at the farming site of Mehrgarh, in what is now Pakistan. They


Scans of Neolithic tooth. 3-D scans of one of 11 9000 to 7500 year old teeth discovered at the farming site of Mehrgarh, in what is now Pakistan. They belonged to nine adult residents and are of special anthropological importance because they are the earliest known examples of dental work. The teeth contain minute holes and subsequent smoothing by chewing proving that the work was carried out while they were still alive. It is believed that the holes were bored into the teeth with a flint-tipped bow drill to alleviate pain. Analyses under an electron microscope indicate that small scalpel-like stone blades were used to complete the work. Photographed at the University of Poitiers, France.


Size: 3653px × 2429px
Photo credit: © PHILIPPE PLAILLY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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