by Medina, OH – An Ohio man, Matthew Miller, tragically died after undergoing what was expected to be a routine dental procedure to extract three teeth. His widow, Brandy Miller, has filed lawsuits accusing the surgeon and staff at Visage Surgical Institute of negligence, shedding light on critical safety oversights during the procedure.
Tragic Outcome of a Routine Dental Surgery
On August 4, 2023, Matthew Miller was admitted to the Visage Surgical Institute in Medina, located southwest of Cleveland, for the removal of three teeth. The surgery, carried out by Dr. Faisal Quereshy, involved general anesthesia, which led to Mr. Miller’s cardiac arrest during the procedure. Despite emergency interventions and transport to a hospital, he remained on life support for four days before passing away on August 8, 2023.
- Mr. Miller was placed under general anesthesia during the procedure.
- He suffered a critical drop in oxygen saturation and stopped breathing independently.
- His cause of death was recorded as acute hypoxic respiratory failure/probably procedural sedation.
Legal Actions and Allegations of Negligence
Brandy Miller has responded to this devastating loss by suing Dr. Quereshy and his team, including a dental assistant alleged to be unlicensed. The lawsuit also names Case Western Reserve University, where Dr. Quereshy is a faculty member, due to the involvement of a research fellow from the university during the procedure.
“The Miller family and their friends have and will forever feel the daily pain of Matt’s death, a death that was 100% preventable and should not have happened,” said Michael Pasternak, attorney for the Miller family.
Case Western Reserve University has denied all allegations, arguing Mr. Miller was not their patient, aiming to absolve themselves of responsibility.
Concerns from the Ohio State Dental Board
According to documents obtained by local news outlet WOIO, the Ohio State Dental Board highlighted significant concerns about Mr. Miller’s suitability for general anesthesia, citing his morbid obesity as a critical risk factor. The Board criticized the decision to use general anesthesia without prior physical examination by a physician.
“By putting Matthew Miller under general anesthesia, the patient was at risk to stop breathing during the procedure,” the Dental Board emphasized.
The failure to conduct a necessary physical evaluation and the choice of anesthesia type were central to the lawsuit, which accuses the surgical team of professional negligence.
Next Steps and Public Hearings
The Ohio State Dental Board has scheduled public hearings starting October 22, 2025, to examine the charges against Dr. Faisal Quereshy. These proceedings intend to address the serious procedural errors that contributed to Matthew Miller’s death.
Brandy Miller’s attorney further noted,
“This lawsuit will give a Jury the chance to address Matt’s unnecessary and painful death. We pray that something positive for other patients comes out of this tragedy, ensuring that simple tooth extractions are safe for all patients.”
For more detailed coverage of the lawsuit and expert commentary, see the original report on Law&Crime.
Community Impact and Calls for Safer Practices
This tragic event underscores the vital importance of thorough pre-operative evaluations, careful anesthesia planning, and qualified medical personnel in even routine dental procedures. It also raises questions about accountability and safety standards in dental surgery clinics.
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- The case highlights risks related to general anesthesia, especially for patients with underlying conditions.
- It stresses the need for strict licensing and oversight of dental assistants involved in surgical procedures.
- Families of patients are urged to ask about anesthesia risks and facility credentials before procedures.
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on the risks associated with dental surgeries under general anesthesia? How can medical and dental institutions improve safety protocols to prevent such tragedies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
