San Diego Girl, 9, Dies After Dental Anesthesia

San Diego, CA - A 9-year-old girl died on Monday after undergoing anesthesia for a dental procedure at a San Diego dental office. The procedure was performed by a dentist who was previously under investigation after another patient nearly died following a similar incident.

According to reports, the girl went into cardiac arrest shortly after the anesthesia was administered. Emergency medical services were called to the scene, but attempts to revive her were unsuccessful. She was pronounced dead at a local hospital a few hours later.

The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The California Dental Board has also launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on the dentist's practices and the office's anesthesia protocols. The previous investigation involved allegations of improper anesthesia administration and inadequate patient monitoring.

This incident has sparked renewed debate about the safety of using general anesthesia for routine dental procedures, especially in children. Experts recommend that parents carefully weigh the risks and benefits of anesthesia with their dentist before making a decision. Alternatives to general anesthesia, such as nitrous oxide or local anesthetics, should also be considered when appropriate.