Neanderthals, our ancient cousins, may have been more adept at dental care than we initially thought. A recent study published in PLOS One reveals a fascinating discovery at Chagyrskaya Cave in southwestern Siberia: a Neanderthal molar with a depression that suggests an ancient invasive dental procedure, akin to a root canal. This finding not only showcases Neanderthals' manual dexterity but also hints at a level of cooperation and understanding of pain relief among these hominins.
The research team, led by Ksenia Kolobova, an archaeologist at the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, discovered the molar during excavations in the cave. After cleaning the tooth, Kolobova noticed a deep hole on the biting surface, which could have been caused by various factors. However, a closer examination using micro-CT scans and scanning electron microscopes revealed numerous microscopic radial grooves, indicating that the hole was artificially created by drilling into the tooth.
To test their hypothesis, the team mimicked the procedure on modern human teeth using a replica of the stone tool they believed Neanderthals used. These experiments successfully duplicated the same geometry and abrasion observed in the ancient tooth, supporting the researchers' conclusions. While cavities were rare among Neanderthals, this discovery suggests an ability to execute precise dental procedures tens of thousands of years ago.
John Olsen, an archaeologist at the University of Arizona and a co-author of the report, emphasizes the significance of this finding. He suggests that the knowledge and manual dexterity required to drill into the tooth and perform the procedure imply a degree of cooperation between individuals. Olsen posits that the patient would have needed to understand the discomfort they were about to endure for the relief that followed.
Rachel Kalisher, a bioarchaeologist at UC San Diego, acknowledges the contribution of the study. She appreciates the researchers' broad thinking about potential causes and their use of deductive reasoning and experiments to eliminate possibilities. However, Kalisher remains open to the idea that Neanderthals were capable of treating cavities, citing their intelligence and adaptability.
This discovery raises intriguing questions about Neanderthal dental care and their ability to respond to different situations. It suggests a level of sophistication and cooperation that challenges our previous assumptions about these ancient hominins. As we continue to uncover more about Neanderthals, we may find that they were more human-like than we ever imagined.
