In September, multiple reports of children developing infections after being treated at the Children's Dental Group of Anaheim were received by the County Health agency. Around 58 reports of such occurrences were recorded, with 20 cases confirmed. Concerned health officials, along with The California Department of Public Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Dental Board of California started investigating the root cause of this outbreak of bacterial infections.
The initial analysis concluded that oral infections were caused after baby root canals were performed at the clinic. Further lab testing disclosed the existence of bacteria in the water system of the facility. It is not to be ignored that the water system was replaced with a former system because of the same issue, according to ABC News.
Due to the infected system, children developed infections that started showing after a period of 15 - 85 days from the initial treatment. Research showed the presence of Mycobacterium in the system, which was assumed
to contaminate many medical devices too. Mycobacterium can lead to serious skin/soft tissue and respiratory infections, dental abscesses and can also infect bones.
However, these conditions can be treated but involve complex processes/surgeries and prolonged use of venous antibiotics. Hospitalization is also necessary for victims to counter the effects as quickly as possible.
Concerned with the health of hundreds of children (who received dental care between March and September) many and health officials got to work.
Action had to be taken to minimize the outbreak and discontinue any more children from becoming subject to such contagious ailments because of Children's Dental Group. And so, as LA Times reports, on September 6, the facility was ordered to close and stopped performing any more procedures.
Such an order had to be passed. Though the dental facility claimed it followed standard methods and used modern equipment. The dental group communicated with the public and said that they have started testing and reviewing the systems and other elements in the clinic and are working with Centers for Disease Control and Dental Board of California to come to terms with conditions that can help lift the ban.
