Neanderthal Tooth Shows Evidence of Drilling

Why this is here: The tooth, discovered in a Siberian cave, presents the oldest known instance of dental work—dating back nearly 60,000 years—performed on a species other than modern humans.

Alisa Zubova of the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography in St. Petersburg, Russia, and colleagues examined a tooth found in Chagyrskaya Cave, Siberia.

The tooth, roughly 60,000 years old, bears grooves consistent with intentional drilling using a stone tool. Scientists observed a deep hole extending into the tooth’s pulp chamber, differing from typical wear or decay patterns.

The team believes a Neanderthal individual experienced a severe toothache and someone carefully removed damaged tissue to alleviate the pain. Microscopic analysis and experimental drilling on modern teeth confirmed the match between the ancient tooth’s markings and stone tool use. Evidence suggests the individual continued using the tooth after the procedure.

Researchers acknowledge that determining the precise intent behind the drilling remains difficult. They cannot fully exclude the possibility of accidental damage, though the evidence strongly indicates deliberate intervention. Further discoveries are needed to understand the full extent of Neanderthal dental practices and medical knowledge.