Neanderthals Practiced Dentistry 60,000 Years Ago

Why this is here: Researchers recreated the drilling process using jaspis stone tools on human teeth, creating cavities within minutes that closely resembled the damage found on the 60,000-year-old Neanderthal molar.

Paleoarcheologist Andrey Krivoshapkin and colleagues in Russia discovered evidence of intentional drilling in a Neanderthal molar from the Chagyrskaya cave in the Altai Mountains of Siberia. Researchers examined the tooth and found a carefully made cavity suggesting someone removed an infected pulp. Micro-CT scans revealed microscopic scratches consistent with using a rotating stone tool.

The team tested similar stone tools on modern human teeth, including a recently extracted wisdom tooth, and found matching patterns of damage. They determined the procedure likely relieved pain long-term, even though it initially worsened discomfort. The smooth walls of the cavity indicate the individual lived for some time after the treatment.

Scientists have excavated over seventy hominin fossils from the cave since 2007, providing ample material for study. While evidence suggests Neanderthals also used plant matter in their diets and early toothpicks, this discovery demonstrates a level of medical understanding previously unassociated with them. The precise tools and techniques remain unknown, and further research is needed to understand the full extent of Neanderthal dental care.