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A study published May 13 in the journal PLOS One describes a roughly 59,000-year-old Neanderthal molar from Chagyrskaya Cave in southwestern Siberia that shows evidence of deliberate drilling to treat a severe tooth cavity — the oldest known instance of dental intervention.

A study published May 13 in the journal PLOS One describes a roughly 59,000-year-old Neanderthal molar from Chagyrskaya Cave in southwestern Siberia that shows evidence of deliberate drilling to treat a severe tooth cavity — the oldest known instance of dental intervention.

The lower molar, designated Chagyrskaya 64, features a deep central hole extending into the pulp chamber, along with microscopic grooves consistent with the rotating motion of a small, pointed stone tool made from locally sourced jasper.

New York Post

The lower molar, designated Chagyrskaya 64, features a deep central hole extending into the pulp chamber, along with microscopic grooves consistent with the rotating motion of a small, pointed stone tool made from locally sourced jasper.

To test their hypothesis, researchers used replica jasper tools to manually drill three modern human molars, successfully reproducing the same hole geometry and microscopic abrasion patterns observed in the Neanderthal tooth in under an hour.

To test their hypothesis, researchers used replica jasper tools to manually drill three modern human molars, successfully reproducing the same hole geometry and microscopic abrasion patterns observed in the Neanderthal tooth in under an hour.

Wear patterns on the tooth indicate the individual continued to chew with it after the procedure, suggesting the patient survived for a significant period following the intervention. The previous oldest evidence of dental cavity treatment dates to roughly 14,000 years ago in Italy.

New Scientist

Wear patterns on the tooth indicate the individual continued to chew with it after the procedure, suggesting the patient survived for a significant period following the intervention. The previous oldest evidence of dental cavity treatment dates to roughly 14,000 years ago in Italy.

Researchers say the procedure would have exposed and deadened the nerves and blood vessels in the pulp, providing pain relief. Justin Durham, a professor of orofacial pain at Newcastle University, described the intervention as "the beginnings of a root canal treatment."

Researchers say the procedure would have exposed and deadened the nerves and blood vessels in the pulp, providing pain relief. Justin Durham, a professor of orofacial pain at Newcastle University, described the intervention as "the beginnings of a root canal treatment."

Some outside experts urged caution in interpreting the single specimen. Roger Forshaw of the University of Manchester said the evidence appears consistent with intentional pain relief but cautioned it is harder to characterize the act as "dentistry" in a modern sense.

Some outside experts urged caution in interpreting the single specimen. Roger Forshaw of the University of Manchester said the evidence appears consistent with intentional pain relief but cautioned it is harder to characterize the act as "dentistry" in a modern sense.

Neanderthals Performed Dentistry 59,000 Years Ago

Neanderthals usedPerformed stoneDentistry drills to treat cavities 59,000 yearsYears agoAgo

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Neanderthals Performed Dentistry 59,000 Years Ago

Neanderthals usedPerformed stoneDentistry drills to treat cavities 59,000 yearsYears agoAgo

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