Neanderthals were surprising innovators, as shown by their use of stone tools to treat dental issues nearly 60,000 years ago. This is the oldest known example of dental treatment.
A molar found in a cave in southern Siberia reveals a deep hole possibly made with a sharp stone tool. While it might sound painful to think about, this discovery sheds light on Neanderthals’ advanced abilities and complex lifestyles.
Dr. Kseniya Kolobova, an archaeologist at the Russian Academy of Sciences, emphasized that this finding challenges outdated views of Neanderthals as brutish. “They were a sophisticated population with significant cognitive and cultural skills,” she explained. This adds to the evidence that they had complex medical treatment methods.
This is groundbreaking because it’s the first time dental drilling has been documented outside of modern humans. The techniques used by Neanderthals predate similar evidence in our species by over 40,000 years.
Dr. Justin Durham, a dental expert, commented on the quality of the work: “If I were grading this, I wouldn’t give it an A, but considering the circumstances, it’s impressive.” The individual survived for some time after the procedure, and the drilled tooth showed signs of wear, indicating they continued to use it.
The molar, part of a find in Chagyrskaya, had severe decay. Researchers simulated the drilling process on modern human teeth, confirming that a hole like that found in the Neanderthal tooth could be created using a stone tool in about 35 to 50 minutes of work. Kolobova noted that such an operation would likely have been very painful.
Durham explained that creating a hole in the tooth would relieve pressure caused by infection, offering temporary pain relief. “It’s a phenomenal achievement,” he said, praising the Neanderthal’s skills.
Historical evidence shows Neanderthals cared for their sick and injured. This includes a man with mobility issues and a child who lived with Down’s syndrome until around six years old. Such findings reflect not only compassion but also immense determination, as noted by Dr. Lydia Zotkina, who called the individual undergoing dental work “incredibly strong-willed.”
The story of this Neanderthal makes us rethink not just our past, but how we approach health and wellness today. Every dental visit after learning about this remarkable finding brings that resilient Neanderthal patient to mind.
By understanding the lengths to which even our ancient relatives went for health, we gain valuable insights into human history and resilience.
For further reading, check out the research published in PLOS One.
