A six year old boy has died during a recent visit to the dentist. This said story has been reported by several news sources such as MSNBC.
An autopsy is currently being conducted to determine the specific cause of death. However, the boy was given anesthesia during the dental procedure and died after the breathing tube was removed.
This tragic story has occurred in Virginia.
Sedation certainly caries risks when at the dentist and I have previously reported on this blog of a case where someone has died after undergoing anesthesia while having their wisdom teeth removed. If you are considering having anesthesia while visiting the dentist or oral surgeon you should be aware of the risks and potential harmful complications that can occur.
This is very tragic news. Although extremely rare, one of the comlications of undergoing general anesthesia for dental care is death. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
tragic and unfortunate. you can be the best dentist practising in the world today and this could happen…my condolences.
i live in Indianapolis and have 3 wisdom teeth. I brush my teeth 2 times a day, rinse mouth and visit my denist regular ( his site is http://www.ezdentalanddentures.com ), and i have no problems with them!
I had heard lots of time this type of bad news related to anesthesia. If you child has wisdom teeth and need oral surgery then please read it – http://www.wereyouwondering.com/childrens-anesthesia-options/
As a parents it is our responsibilities to check surgery risk, anesthesia types and operation procedure before oral surgery.
Tragic situation.
This probably wasn’t IV-Valium being used. That’s a much safer choice than GA.
I wonder if this was a trained specialist or a general dentist pushing the envelope on care.
Joe Bulger DDS
This generally happens when dentists who are not qualified to give anesthesia go ahead and give GA or IV Sedation. Thus, one must always avoid such dentists and always insist on a qualified anesthetist for any dental procedure.