Toddler deaths due to dental anesthesia may lead to tighter rules in Arizona

Advocates argue that children face unique risks with anesthesia that adults don't. Pediatric deaths from dental anesthesia tend to involve children ages 2-5.

Salomon Barahona Jr. at Children’s Medical Center Dallas, hours after a dental-office drug overdose. (Family photo)

We begin with Junior’s story:¹

First they drugged him. Then they sent Mom to the waiting room. Then they strapped his torso and wrists to a padded board. But Junior did not let down his guard. At the sound of the drill, dental records say, th…