Tooth extraction killed 5-year-old child... 2 dentists and 1 specialist found at fault

In Bursa, 5-year-old Deniz Sönmez, who had one tooth extracted and four filled under general anesthesia on November 10, fell ill after returning home and passed away 3 days after being hospitalized. Forensic medical reports prepared following Deniz Sönmez's death were evaluated by the 8th Specialized Forensic Medicine Board in Istanbul. Two dentists and one anesthesiologist were found to be 'at fault'.

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Tooth extraction killed 5-year-old child... 2 dentists and 1 specialist found at fault

In Bursa, forensic medical reports prepared following the death of 5-year-old Deniz Sönmez, who fell ill and later died in the hospital after having one tooth extracted and four filled—including one root canal—under sedation at a private dental clinic, were evaluated by the 8th Specialized Forensic Medicine Board in Istanbul.

In the 51-page report sent to the Bursa Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, which is conducting the investigation, it was stated that the procedure was performed on the child under sedation in violation of regulations. It was unanimously concluded that dentists A.S. and K.G.Y., along with Anesthesiologist Dr. L.O., committed medical malpractice at a rate of 4/8 each in the death of Deniz Sönmez.

The incident occurred in November 2023. Elena (34) and Aydın Sönmez (35) took their only child, Deniz Sönmez, to a private dental clinic in the Hürriyet neighborhood of Osmangazi district due to a toothache. After an examination, it was determined that Deniz had cavities, and an appointment was scheduled for November 10. During the operation performed under sedation, one tooth was extracted and four were filled, including one root canal. Deniz Sönmez began to feel unwell as the effects of the anesthesia wore off. Sönmez, who had heavy bleeding in his mouth, developed a fever and started shivering. He was discharged with a prescription despite the bleeding, with the clinic claiming his symptoms were related to the anesthesia. Deniz Sönmez fell ill about 20 minutes after arriving home and was taken by his family to the intensive care unit of Dörtçelik Children's Hospital, where he was treated. Deniz Sönmez passed away on November 13 due to multi-organ failure caused by a lack of oxygen. His body was taken to the Bursa Forensic Medicine Institute morgue for an autopsy.

DENTAL CLINIC SEALED FOR 1 MONTH

After the autopsy procedures, Deniz Sönmez's body was handed over to his family and laid to rest in the Keles district. Following a complaint, the Bursa Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into the incident, and the Provincial Health Directorate initiated an inspection. By the decision of the Provincial Health Directorate, the dental clinic was sealed for 1 month.

In a statement made by the Bursa Provincial Health Directorate, it was noted that the decision was taken in line with the knowledge of the Ministry of Health to ensure that the investigation and inspection could be conducted properly.

AUTOPSY CD SENT TO THE 8TH SPECIALIZED FORENSIC MEDICINE BOARD

While the investigation initiated by the Bursa Chief Public Prosecutor's Office continued, a preliminary report was issued following Deniz Sönmez's autopsy at the Bursa Forensic Medicine Institute. The report included information obtained as a result of the autopsy and examinations. It was stated that intense edema was detected under the child's scalp, as well as bleeding in the head area, chest, heart cavities, and lungs.

In the conclusion section of the report, it was noted that the entire forensic investigation file, including medical records from Dörtçelik Children's Hospital and documents containing autopsy images, would be sent to the 8th Specialized Forensic Medicine Board of the Council of Forensic Medicine. The report requested that a copy of the opinion to be received from the 8th Specialized Forensic Medicine Board be sent to the Bursa Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

12-MEMBER PANEL REACHED UNANIMOUS CONCLUSION

Forensic medical reports prepared after Deniz Sönmez's death were evaluated by the 8th Specialized Forensic Medicine Board in Istanbul. In the 51-page report sent to the Bursa Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was stated that the procedure was performed on the child under sedation in violation of regulations. Pointing out that Deniz Sönmez had undergone a similar dental treatment under sedation 14 months prior to the incident, the report stated that the indication for extracting a baby tooth and filling four teeth was carried out under similarly unfavorable conditions.

In the report, it was unanimously concluded by the 12-member panel, including the chairperson, that Anesthesiologist Dr. L.O., Dentist A.S., and the Responsible Manager Dentist K.G.Y. were responsible for medical malpractice at a rate of 4/8 each in the death of Deniz Sönmez. Following the report from the 8th Specialized Forensic Medicine Board in Istanbul, the two dentists and one anesthesiologist working at the dental clinic are expected to have their statements taken on charges of 'causing death'.

News Source: 12punto