05.12.2025 23:06
In Bursa, the trial of four defendants who are not in custody continues regarding the death of 5-year-old Deniz Sönmez, who became unwell after having one tooth extracted and fillings done on four teeth, including one root canal treatment, under sedation at a private dental clinic. The dentist A.G., who performed the tooth extraction, stated that sedation was used at the dental clinic when he started working there, and said, "I fell into a routine. I feel used."
In Bursa, Elena and Aydın Sönmez took their only child, Deniz Sönmez, to a private dental clinic in the Hürriyet neighborhood of Osmangazi district in November 2023 due to complaints of toothache. After the examination, it was determined that Deniz had cavities, and an appointment was made for November 10.
CLINIC VISIT ENDS IN TRAGEDY DUE TO TOOTHACHE During the operation performed under sedation, one tooth was extracted, and fillings were done on four teeth, including one root canal treatment. As the effects of the anesthesia wore off, Deniz Sönmez became unwell. Sönmez experienced severe bleeding in the mouth, his fever rose, and he began to tremble. Despite having bleeding, Deniz was discharged with medication, as it was stated that his complaints were related to anesthesia. About 20 minutes after returning home, Deniz collapsed and was taken to the intensive care unit of Dörtçelik Children's Hospital for treatment. Deniz Sönmez passed away on November 13 due to multiple organ failure caused by oxygen deficiency.
DENTAL CLINIC SEALED FOR 1 MONTH The Provincial Health Directorate closed the dental clinic for one month, and following the investigation initiated by the Bursa Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a lawsuit was filed against dentist A.G., anesthesiologist L.O., anesthesia technician G.K., and the responsible manager of the dental health polyclinic K.G.Y. in the Criminal Court of First Instance for 'causing death by conscious negligence' and 'violating the fundamental law of health services,' seeking prison sentences of 3 to 9 years.
The trial of the defendants, who are not in custody, continued. The hearing at the Bursa 44th Criminal Court of First Instance was attended by Deniz Sönmez's parents, as well as the defendants dentist A.G., anesthesiologist L.O., and their lawyers. In his defense, anesthesiologist L.O. claimed he was innocent, stating, "I did not know that sedation would not be performed due to a subsequent ban. Additionally, since the same procedure had been performed on Deniz before and due to the necessity of scheduling appointments 4-5 months later in other hospitals for various reasons, this procedure was carried out. I believe I have no fault in the procedure performed, and I request my acquittal."
"I DID NOT THINK IT WAS PROHIBITED" Dentist A.G. stated that sedation was performed when he started working at the dental clinic and claimed that a conspiracy was set against him, saying: "I had just started working. The responsible manager asked me if I could treat child patients. I said I could. Probably, the owner of the company asked him as well. I believe that the first person who performed the initial treatment is responsible for this. The workplace was already operational when I started, and these procedures were being performed. Since sedation was being done, I did not think it was prohibited. Therefore, I did not question it. I was not informed about this matter. The responsible manager and the owner of the company told me not to perform implants and tooth extractions. However, they did not say anything about sedation. I fell into a system. I feel used. I did not decide to apply sedation on my own. The system was already like this. My colleagues say they are innocent, but I am the truly blameless one. Also, I did not place sutures on the tooth; they may have been placed later at Dörtçelik Hospital. Because no dentist places sutures after extracting a milk tooth, as it can cause developmental issues for the permanent teeth that will come out later." A.G. stated that he worked for three more months after the incident, claiming he did not receive his salary and that they did not pay him his dues when he wanted to leave.
"WE DO NOT WANT THE TRIAL TO BE DELAYED ANY LONGER" Speaking at the hearing, Deniz Sönmez's father, Aydın Sönmez, said, "We have been fighting for 2 years due to the incident that occurred in 2023, and we do not want the trial to be prolonged any further; we request a good or bad outcome."
"THE DENTIST RECOMMENDED SEDATION TO US" Mother Elena Sönmez also stated, "We have been living without our child for 2 years, but the defendants have continued their normal lives. No one accepts responsibility. I demand their punishment. A.G. stated in his testimony that he was inexperienced and had just started working. However, he recommended the sedation procedure to us. I do not accept their statements," she expressed.
Elena and Aydın Sönmez's lawyer, Salih Duman, also stated, "We request the arrest of the defendants A.G. and L.O., who acted indifferently in the incident. We do not accept A.G.'s defense," he said.
The prosecutor, presenting his opinion on the merits during the hearing, requested the acquittal of the business partners M.Ç.G., M.Ö.A., M.E.K., and sought prison sentences of 3 to 9 years for dentist A.G. and anesthesiologist L.O. for the crime of 'causing death by conscious negligence,' and 2 to 6 years for responsible manager K.G.Y. for the crime of 'causing death by negligence.' The court panel adjourned the hearing for a decision.