A tragic incident in California claimed the life of a 9-year-old girl who passed away on her way home after undergoing dental surgery with anesthesia, according to reports.
The procedure took place on March 18 at Dreamtime Dentistry in Vista, where the child was sedated for dental surgery. She was moved to a recovery room and later discharged in stable condition, according to the medical examiner’s summary obtained by NBC San Diego.
During the car ride home, she fell asleep. When her family later checked on her, she was unresponsive. She was rushed to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The medical examiner has yet to determine the exact cause of death, and it remains unclear if the dental procedure played a role.
Experts cautioned against drawing premature conclusions but acknowledged the risks associated with sedation, particularly for children.
“When a child undergoes general anesthesia, the procedure is significantly riskier compared to adults,” retired dentist Dr. Michael Davis told NBC San Diego.
Children require lower doses of anesthesia due to factors such as body size and metabolism. However, certain genetic factors, like those found in natural redheads, can make individuals more resistant to anesthesia, according to UCLA Health.
Dr. Ryan Watkins, the only dentist at Dreamtime Dentistry who performs sedation procedures, was previously investigated by the Dental Board of California in 2016. The investigation followed an incident where an adult patient nearly died due to the administration of an unnecessary drug. Watkins was placed on probation from 2020 to 2023, according to NBC San Diego.
