A county coroner in Ohio has ruled that a man who became unresponsive and eventually died after being sedated and undergoing multiple dental procedures died of natural causes, according to multiple news reports published on April 7.
Michael Beesler, 61, who became unresponsive during dental procedures at Grove City Dental in Grove City, OH, died of an anoxic brain injury. His injury was due to sudden, prolonged cardiac arrest and complications of hypertensive cardiovascular disease, according to a report dated April 3 from the Franklin County Coroner's Office.
Additionally, the coroner listed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as a "significant condition" for Beesler.
Dr. Scott Schumann. Image courtesy of Grove City Dental.
The Ohio State Dental Board and police are continuing to investigate whether Dr. Scott Schumann, the dentist who oversaw Beesler's sedation and the procedures, played any role in the patient's death.
On February 13, police and emergency medical professionals were dispatched to the dental practice because Beesler -- who underwent sedation for extractions, a root canal, deep cleanings, and dentures -- became unresponsive.
When the police arrived, Schumann was giving CPR to Beesler, who was hooked to a defibrillator. Beesler was taken to a nearby hospital and died three days later.
Police interviewed Schumann and three dental assistants. One witness told police that the patient was reportedly given ibuprofen and acetaminophen before he was administered nitrous oxide. Then, a hygienist allegedly gave Beesler four sedative pills and eight numbing agents.
Also, a witness told investigators that Beesler's blood oxygen levels fell and that Schumann allegedly said the patient was "fine" and disregarded an assistant's second warning about the patient's levels, according to the stories.
Schumann reportedly told police that Beesler had a pulse, was breathing, and his body was warm. However, shortly after this, when it appeared that Beesler wasn't breathing, a drug was purportedly given to Beesler to rouse him out of sedation, according to the stories.
In 2002 and 2015, Schumann's license was suspended for his alleged inability to practice under accepted standards due to mental or physical disability, dependence on drugs or alcohol, or excessive use of substances. Both of his suspensions included probationary periods of five years.
