Neanderthal Dentistry!
Neanderthals had the know-how to identify a tooth infection and the motor skills to drill out the damage, according to a study published May 13, 2026, in the open-access journal PLOS One.
Archaeologists discovered the molar in a Siberian cave. A deep hole suggests a sharp tool, possibly a toothpick made of local jasper, was used for the beginnings of a root canal.
The process would have taken between 35 and 50 minutes, according to researchers, who conducted similar procedures on three modern human teeth.
Wear patterns indicate the Neanderthal was able to continue eating with the tooth following the procedure.
The discovery marks the first such procedure by any species other than Homo sapiens. It also challenges prior understanding of Neanderthal cognitive abilities, showing they could identify a source of pain as well as determine - and administer - proper medical treatment requiring physical dexterity.
