Neanderthal Tooth Shows Evidence of Ancient Dental Procedure
Similar Articles
Ancient DNA Reveals Neanderthal Group Lived in Central-Eastern Europe 100,000 Years Ago
Lingjing Site Dates to 146,000 Years, Revealing Ancient Human Relative's Capabilities
Oldest Human Remains in Northern Britain Identified as 11,000-Year-Old Girl
Study Reveals Gradual Social Shifts and Daily Life in Bronze Age Central Europe
Ancient DNA Reveals Plague and Population Shift in Neolithic French Tomb
A 59,000-year-old Neanderthal molar excavated from Chagyrskaya Cave in Siberia contains a deep hole on its chewing surface, with microscopic grooves matching experimental marks made by stone tools. The subsequent wear on the tooth indicates the individual lived for some time after the intervention. This suggests Neanderthals in the region may have performed deliberate dental procedures.
Facts First
- A Neanderthal molar shows a hole occupying the entire pulp volume
- Microscopic radial grooves in the hole match marks from stone tool experiments
- Normal long-term wear indicates the patient survived years after the procedure
- The tooth is part of the easternmost Neanderthal population discovered
- Neanderthals are known to have used medicinal plants and antiseptics
What Happened
Excavations at Chagyrskaya Cave in southwestern Siberia uncovered Paleolithic tools and fossils from the easternmost population of Neanderthals. During a 2016 excavation, the team found Neanderthal bones and teeth approximately 59,000 years old. Archaeologist Ksenia Kolobova discovered a deep hole on the biting surface of one molar after cleaning it. The hole occupied the entire volume where the pulp would have been located, and microscopic radial grooves were observed within it. The molar was examined using a micro-CT scan and a scanning electron microscope.
Why this Matters to You
This discovery connects you to a deeper human story of problem-solving and care. It suggests that even 59,000 years ago, our close relatives may have attempted to address dental issues, a common human experience. The evidence that the individual lived for years afterward indicates the procedure might have been successful or at least managed, offering a glimpse into resilience and community support in prehistoric times. Knowledge of such ancient practices can enrich our understanding of the shared, long history of medicine and healing.
What's Next
The research, published in the journal PLOS One, opens avenues for further study. Archaeologists may look for similar evidence on other Neanderthal fossils to see if this was an isolated incident or a more common practice. The established knowledge that Neanderthals used medicinal plants and antiseptics like birch tar provides a context that these dental interventions could have been part of a broader understanding of health management.