The license of an Edina dentist has been suspended by the state regulators after a 17-year-old girl went into cardiac arrest and eventually died, following complications during a wisdom tooth extraction.
On June 9, 2015, Sydney Galleger, a junior at Eden Prairie High School went into convulsions after her wisdom tooth was removed. She was later rushed to a hospital, where she died on June 15.
After reviewing Gallger's case, Minnesota Board of Dentistry found that Dr. Paul Tompach, of Edine Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery "failed to appropriately manage a medical emergency" and allowed medical staff, a licensed dental assistant, a student intern and unlicensed dental assistant to carry out the tasks which "exceeded the legal scope of practice." In addition, the board said that they received "credible information" -- confirming the said claims, according to The Star Tribune.
Talking about the case, Bridgett Anderson, the board's executive editor told Kare 11 that they discovered that Tompach allowed an unlicensed assistant to monitor the patient as the teen received anesthesia, which is not legally allowed. In addition, the board is expected to meet on Thursday to vote whether Tompach will face any further sanctions.
Meanwhile, Steve Galleger, Sydney's father said his family including him was unaware of the suspension order. "This is all new to us," he said and refused to give further comments.
While Sydney's mother, Diane Galleger detailed the June incident to CaringBridge. She said it was just like any other normal days and Sydney went to Tompach's clinic for a common wisdom tooth extraction. Everything was running normal but suddenly her daughter's "blood pressure shot up" and her pulse was dropping, then Sydney went into cardiac arrest.
Mrs. Galleger said Tompach started a CPR when the convulsions began. After which, he called 911. Paramedics then quickly arrived and took her to a hospital, where she died.
Tompach, on the other hand, refused to give any comments about the incident nor the suspension order.
