Daleyza Avila Hernandez, 3, was getting two teeth pulled and caps put on two others. Photo / 123RF
Daleyza Avila Hernandez, 3, was getting two teeth pulled and caps put on two others. Photo / 123RF
A California girl died while undergoing a simple dental procedure on Monday, her family claim, leaving her parents with unanswered questions in her death.
Daleyza Avila Hernandez, 3, was getting two teeth pulled and caps put on two others at the Children's Dental Surgery Center in Stockton, east of SanFrancisco, her family told Fox 40.
"My daughter was very healthy," the girl's mother Araceli Avila said. "All I did was I take my daughter to the dentist because they were going to fix her teeth, and about 30 minutes later they brought her back dead."
Ms Avila and husband Jose Hernandez recalled seeing the toddler "vivacious and full of life" just before the procedure. The parents said they weren't allowed into the surgery room. But while waiting, Ms Avila saw an ambulance pull up to the office.
"And I stood up and went outside because I was like, 'they are coming for a kid,' but I never thought it was for my child," she said.
A nurse told them their daughter's heart had stopped, possibly from underlying heart issues. Daleyza was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead.
David Thompson, the administrator of Children's Dental Surgery Center in Stockton, told Fox 40 that Hernandez had a reaction to the anaesthetics during the procedure. She was stabilised before being transported to the hospital, though Mr Thompson said he didn't know what caused her death. He added the girl's parents weren't allowed in the room due to sanitary rules.
Daleyza's mother is too shaken to leave the van. She says it hurts too much to be near where her daughter died. pic.twitter.com/JxlLK3kFWX
Ms Avila and husband Jose Hernandez recalled seeing the toddler "vivacious and full of life" just before the procedure. The parents said they weren't allowed into the surgery room. But while waiting, Ms Avila saw an ambulance pull up to the office.
"And I stood up and went outside because I was like, 'they are coming for a kid,' but I never thought it was for my child," she said.
A nurse told them their daughter's heart had stopped, possibly from underlying heart issues. Daleyza was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead.
David Thompson, the administrator of Children's Dental Surgery Center in Stockton, told Fox 40 that Hernandez had a reaction to the anaesthetics during the procedure. She was stabilised before being transported to the hospital, though Mr Thompson said he didn't know what caused her death. He added the girl's parents weren't allowed in the room due to sanitary rules.
This is Daleyza Avila Hernandez right before her appointment. Her parents say she was playing before her appointment. Hours later, she died. pic.twitter.com/naC2yIL0xO
Mr Thompson said staff members at the centre were well trained and have years of experience.
"We're committed to helping kids every single day. That's our mission, that's why we're here. It's risky. Not everyone wants to do it," he told Fox 40.
However, the Hernandez family said they still don't understand what led to their daughter's death.
The Dental Board of California confirmed in a statement to Fox News that they will be investigating the incident.
"The Dental Board of California is aware of the tragic situation. An investigation is underway so specific details of the case cannot be shared at this time. Consumer protection is the board's highest concern and we want to extend our deepest sympathy to the family."
