A nine-year-old California girl suddenly died hours after she underwent dental surgery where anesthesia was used. Reportedly, the girl was discharged following the surgery and fell asleep on the way home. Later, while she was believed to be asleep at her home, her family noticed she was unresponsive, and the nine-year-old was later pronounced dead.
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According to NBC 7, the incident took place on March 18. Earlier in the day, the unnamed nine-year-old girl had a dental procedure at Dreamtime Dentistry. The surgery involved the use of anesthesia. According to a medical examiner's summary report, the girl was moved to a recovery room before she was discharged.
On the way home, the girl fell asleep. She continued to sleep after she arrived home. However, her family, who had been checking on her throughout the day, as per Fox 5, then noticed that she was unresponsive. They called 911, and, upon arrival, first responders transported the girl to Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego. Doctors, unfortunately, pronounced her dead.
Currently, the nine-year-old's death is being investigated by the San Diego Police Department. Whether anesthesia played any role in her death is still unknown. The child's cause and manner of death, as per NBC 7, are still listed as pending.
Statement
Dr. Ryan Watkins, who reportedly administered the anesthesia, issued a statement following the death of the nine-year-old, via a Dreamtime Dentistry spokesperson.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our young patient, which occurred several hours after her completed dental procedure," the statement reads. "The patient was referred to our office for dental treatment under general anesthesia due to her young age and acute situational anxiety."
"Following the procedure, she was discharged in stable condition—awake, with stable vital signs and protective reflexes intact—into her mother's care, following our standard post-anesthesia protocols," the statement continues.
The statement later stated that the girl's cause of death is yet to be determined. Moreover, it mentions that the medical examiner is undergoing an investigation.
"The safety and well-being of our patients have always been and remain our highest priority," the statement reads. "While we understand the concerns and questions surrounding this tragic event, we respectfully ask for patience as the investigation proceeds."
The statement concludes by expressing their heartbreak over the child's death, extending their condolences to her family and loved ones.
