A re-examination of skeletal remains from the Neolithic site of Mehrgarh in Pakistan has revealed the oldest known evidence of dental surgery. Using high-resolution micro-CT scans, researchers identified precision-drilled holes in the molars of individuals dating back to 7,000 BCE, likely performed to alleviate tooth decay.
The drills used were likely tiny flint tips attached to bow drills, typically used for bead production. This discovery highlights the remarkable technological ingenuity of the early inhabitants of the Indus Valley long before the rise of the urban Harappan civilization.
