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A study in Scientific Reports claims that the oldest known form of dentistry to date is an infected 14,000-year-old tooth that was cleaned out with flint tools. This is the earliest archaeological example of a pathological condition being handled by a manual intervention.

Prehistoric dental treatments were extremely rare, with a few documented cases from the Neolithic era. Early farming as well as an increase in carbohydrate-rich diets are said to be the cause of an increase in carious lesions, the researchers noted (Scientific Reports, July 16, 2015).

Egyptian texts confirm Ancient Greeks and Romans had removed caries by drilling and cleaning the infected cavity, at least in the fifth century B.C.

At the time, toothpicks likely made of bone or wood were used to remove food particles between teeth. These new findings may demonstrate how early humans adopted the ‘toothpicking’ technique. Other early forms of dentistry included scratching caries using microlithic points, which are small stone tools usually made of flint or chert, typically about a centimeter long and half a centimeter wide.

In 1988, an international team of researchers found a well-preserved 25-year-old male skeleton in a burial site in Villabruna, Italy. On this specimen, they analyzed a lower right third molar and discovered a tooth that retains a large occlusal cavity with four carious lesions.

Occlusal view of the right third molar

Occlusal view of the right third molar. All images courtesy of Scientific Reports.

“Various scientific analyses confirm that the vast carious lesion found on the chewing surfaces of the lower right third molar was intentionally treated, probably to clean out the infected tissue, through the use of a stone tip that left deep streaks on tooth enamel around and inside the cavity,” stated Jacopo Moggi-Cecchi, an associate professor from the department of biology at the University of Florence.

Stereo microscopical image of right third molar

Stereo microscopical image of right third molar with magnification of the cavity and of the region (elipse) containing the striations described.

“The earliest dental caries manipulation entails an adaptation of the toothpicking technique from simple rubbing actions between interproximal teeth using probes made on bone/wood, to scratching/levering activities within the carious lesion using microlithic points,” the authors said.

There were traces of residue in the cavity, suggesting that it may have been filled with a natural wax, possibly beeswax, which could have been found in the area nearby, according to the study.

Chewing likely caused the tooth enamel to become partially rounded and polished, indicating the treatment was performed long before the young man passed.

“This study suggests that primitive forms of carious treatment in human evolution entail an adaptation of the well-known toothpicking for levering and scratching rather than drilling practices,” the authors wrote.

“The Villabruna specimen represents, therefore, the oldest archaeological evidence of operative manual intervention on a pathological condition (caries), as indicated by the striations on the bottom of the carious pit, potentially to remove the caries and/or to reestablish antagonistic tooth function by removing food particles entrapped within the cavity,” the study authors concluded.

Sources: Dr.Bicuspid.com, Scientific Reports

Your Top-Rated & New Favorite Dentist In Moorpark, CA

Moorpark Center for Dentistry is outstanding! Every single staff member from front to back is absolute amazing. They are kind, and friendly, and the complimentary menu is a bonus! My husband and I have both been in a few times, for regular cleanings and emergencies and have been beyond impressed. Today was my daughter’s first dentist visit and they hit it out of the park! We will continue using Dr. Potts and his amazing team! Cheers!

- Brittany Brouhard
ashley cooper 5 star review

Dr. Potts and his staff are amazing. I had a problem with a tooth and they got me in right away. I was surprised since I was a new patient. Everyone in his office is so nice and very efficient. They made me feel so comfortable. Their warming and massage dental chair is awesome. If you are looking for a new dentist, I highly recommend Moorpark Center for Dentistry.

- Sherry Waldman
melinda 5 star review

professional and top notch!! State of the art facility and you are made to feel special and very welcomed as soon as you walk through the door. Dr. Potts is an excellent dentist and runs an exceptional dental center. Highly recommend especially if you are nervous about visiting a dentist. I drive 56 miles to this dental center, which says a lot.

- Susan Piraino
monica 5 star review

*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Moorpark Center For Dentistry office. Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.

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Our Moorpark, CA Dental Office

4217 Tierra Rejada Rd.
Moorpark, CA 93021

805.243.3999

Office Hours:
Monday: 7:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesday: 7:00am - 7:00pm
Wednesday: 7:00am - 7:00pm
Thursday: 7:00am - 7:00pm
Friday: 7:00am - 4:00pm

moorpark center for dentistry map
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Our Moorpark, CA Dental Office

4217 Tierra Rejada Rd.
Moorpark, CA 93021

805.243.3999

Office Hours:
Monday: 7:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesday: 7:00am - 7:00pm
Wednesday: 7:00am - 7:00pm
Thursday: 7:00am - 7:00pm
Friday: 7:00am - 4:00pm

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