Man Dies After Major Dental Procedure in China

Tragic Death Following Intensive Dental Surgery Sparks Public Outcry

A Chinese man tragically died of a heart attack just 13 days after undergoing an intensive dental procedure that involved the extraction of 23 teeth and the placement of 12 dental implants in a single day. The incident, which has drawn widespread attention across China, was reported by the man’s daughter, surnamed Shu, in an online post published on September 2. Shu, from Jinhua in Zhejiang province, shared her heartbreak, recounting how her father, surnamed Huang, endured severe pain following the procedure at Yongkang Deway Dental Hospital.

Shu expressed her sorrow, saying, “I never thought my dad would pass so quickly. He did not even get the chance to drive the new car we bought him.” Despite Huang’s suffering for two weeks after the operation, his sudden cardiac arrest on August 28 left his family devastated.

Details of the Procedure and Investigation

Huang’s dental procedure was conducted on August 14, involving what the hospital described as an “immediate restoration” technique, wherein 23 teeth were removed, and 12 implants were inserted during a single session. The surgeon responsible for the procedure, surnamed Yuan, reportedly has five years of experience and specializes in root canals, impacted wisdom teeth extraction, and complete dentures.

The Yongkang Municipal Health Bureau has launched an investigation into the incident. An official from the bureau stated on September 3, “Since there was a 13-day gap between the tooth extractions and his death, we are still investigating the cause.” The hospital has, so far, refrained from providing detailed comments. A staff member informed the South China Morning Post that they would not be issuing a response as the case had been handed over to their lawyer.

Expert Opinion and Safety Concerns

The case has sparked significant discussion within China’s dental community regarding the safety and ethics of such extensive dental work. Xiang Guolin, director of the Dental Medicine Centre at the Hospital of Universal Love in Wuhan, highlighted the risks of conducting such a large number of extractions in one session. “Extracting 23 teeth is quite a lot. It requires a clinic and dentist with sufficient qualifications and experience. It’s also essential to consider the patient’s physical capacity to handle such an extensive procedure,” Xiang told Jimu News.

There are currently no official guidelines in China that set limits on the number of teeth that can be extracted at once, but Xiang noted that the general maximum is around 10 teeth. Many have questioned the judgment of the dentist in this case, with some suggesting the operation was unnecessarily aggressive given the patient’s condition.

Public Reactions and Concerns Over Dental Practices

News of Huang’s death has shocked many across China, leading to heated online discussions about the dental industry’s practices. One online user commented, “Removing 23 teeth in one day? How could they even consider doing that? I once asked to have two wisdom teeth taken out at the same time and the dentist refused.” Another person, who identified themselves as a dentist, remarked, “I never extract more than three teeth at one time unless they’re very loose. The doctor must have lost his mind. It sounds more like a human experiment than a dental procedure.”

In recent years, dental procedures, including extractions and implants, have become increasingly common in China, particularly as public awareness of oral health has risen. However, this tragic case has raised questions about the level of regulation and patient safety in the industry.

Previous Cases and Calls for Reform

This incident is not the first time that dental practices in China have come under scrutiny. In January, an elderly man from Shanghai experienced a near-fatal complication when a metal implement was accidentally dropped into his throat during a dental implant procedure. It took visits to five different hospitals before the object was finally removed via endoscope.

With cases like these coming to light, calls are growing for stricter regulation and oversight in China’s rapidly expanding dental industry. Patients and professionals alike are demanding clearer guidelines to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

As investigations into Huang’s death continue, the story serves as a somber reminder of the potential risks associated with major dental surgeries, particularly when conducted without sufficient precautionary measures.