A Fort Worth pediatric dentist has been arrested after a 4-year-old girl died during what was supposed to be a routine tongue-tie procedure. Investigators say Dr. Chrishelle Hemphill administered excessive sedatives to Aithana Arriaga, leading to the child’s tragic death on April 1.

According to the arrest warrant, the appointment began normally at the clinic, but Aithana went into distress after receiving multiple sedatives, including meperidine. The medical examiner determined that the amount of the drug found in the girl’s system would have been high even for an adult, and that she had been double-dosed.

Aithana, described as a joyful young girl who loved riding her pink bicycle, suffered cardiac and respiratory arrest during the procedure. Despite emergency efforts, she could not be saved.

Dr. Hemphill faces criminal charges related to the incident. The case has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious questions about sedation protocols in pediatric dentistry.

This heartbreaking loss serves as a reminder of the risks associated with medical procedures involving young children and the critical importance of proper dosing and monitoring.

Sources: CBS News Texas