Neanderthals may have drilled out a cavity 59,000 years ago
NPR • • nation
Key Points:
- Researchers discovered a 59,000-year-old Neanderthal molar in Siberia with a hole that appears to be evidence of an ancient dental procedure resembling a root canal, created using a stone tool.
- Micro-CT scans and microscopic analysis revealed grooves consistent with deliberate drilling to expose and clean the tooth pulp, supported by experiments replicating the procedure on modern teeth with similar stone tools.
- The finding suggests Neanderthals possessed manual dexterity, knowledge of dental treatment, and possibly social cooperation to perform such invasive care, indicating advanced cognitive and cultural abilities.
- Some experts caution that while the evidence is convincing, alternative explanations like natural wear cannot be entirely ruled out, though they acknowledge the plausibility of intentional dental intervention by Neanderthals.
- This discovery adds to growing evidence of Neanderthal intelligence and adaptability, highlighting their capacity to address pain and medical issues in a manner comparable to modern humans.