Neandertal Performed Early Dental Procedure

An international team of British and Russian scientists determined a Neandertal performed dental work roughly 60,000 years ago. Researchers studied a molar from the Chagyrskaya cave in the Altai Mountains. The tooth showed both a deep hole reaching the pulp cavity and microscopic scratches.

To understand how the damage occurred, the team experimentally drilled similar teeth with stone tools found in the cave. They successfully replicated the pattern of marks on the ancient molar. This suggests the Neandertal skillfully removed decayed tissue.

The individual likely lived for years after the procedure, indicated by wear on the tooth. This discovery is the first evidence of dental intervention by a species other than Homo sapiens.

However, no similar procedures appear in the archaeological record for over 40,000 years, leaving unanswered questions about the fate of this knowledge. Research continues to illuminate Neandertal capabilities.