Neanderthal Drilled Tooth in Siberia

Why this is here: The molar discovered in the Chagyrskaya Cave displays a cavity drilled with stone tools, representing the earliest documented instance of invasive dental treatment in human history.

Researchers from the Russian Academy of Sciences report Neanderthals treated tooth decay with drilling in western Siberia. They examined a molar found in the Chagyrskaya Cave, dating to roughly 59,000 years ago. The tooth shows a deep cavity extending to the pulp, seemingly created by stone tools also discovered in the cave.

The team replicated the drilling process on modern human teeth, finding the technique could have relieved chronic pain from inflammation. This suggests Neanderthals could pinpoint pain sources and weigh short-term discomfort against long-term suffering. Evidence of Neanderthal dental care was limited before this, with only traces of toothpicks previously known.

However, the study cannot confirm if Neanderthals possessed speech, though the treatment implies some level of communication. The oldest known dental work on a Homo sapiens tooth is significantly more recent, found in Italy and dated to 14,000 years ago. Further research will explore the extent of Neanderthal dental practices.