After the recent deaths of two children – one from a tonsillectomy and the other from a routine dental procedure – experts weighed in on the risks associated with such procedures.  There are approximately 500,000 tonsillectomies performed on children 15 and under in the U.S. each year (down from a peak of 1.5 million 30 years ago), with a fatality approximately 1 in every 30,000 cases.  The indication for the surgery has changed, only being performed when a child suffers from obstructive sleep apnea.  The dangers associated with tonsillectomies are similar to those associated with other surgeries requiring anesthesia.

Pediatric dental fatalities are much less common – an unofficial statistic placing the number at 45 deaths since 1974.  Dental emergencies most frequently arise when the patient’s airway becomes obstructed and the object cannot be dislodged.  In other cases, the patient was given too much sedative or anesthetic.  It is best for parents to perform research and ensure necessity before agreeing to pediatric procedures.

Read more at the USA Today.