Neanderthals used stone drills to treat cavities 59,000 years ago, tooth suggests
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Neanderthals performed dental drilling to treat cavities nearly 60,000 years ago, marking the earliest known evidence of invasive dental treatment and showcasing their advanced cognitive and cultural abilities.
- A molar found in a Siberian cave had a deep hole created by a sharp stone tool, with microscopic analysis indicating severe tooth decay and evidence that the individual survived the procedure and continued using the tooth.
- Experiments demonstrated that drilling such a cavity with a narrow stone tool would have taken 35 to 50 minutes and caused significant pain, suggesting remarkable self-control and understanding by the patient.
- Dental experts praised the Neanderthal’s work as impressive given the primitive tools, noting the procedure likely relieved intense pain similar to modern root canal treatment.
- This discovery, alongside previous evidence of Neanderthal care for injured individuals, highlights their sophisticated behavior, compassion, and resilience.