05.12.2025 12:15
The trial regarding the death of 5-year-old Deniz Sönmez, who was treated under sedation at a private dental clinic in Bursa, is ongoing. Dentist A.G., anesthesiologist L.O., anesthesia technician G.K., and the responsible manager of the dental health clinic, K.G.Y., are facing charges of "causing death by conscious negligence" and "violating the fundamental law of health services," with prison sentences ranging from 3 to 9 years being sought.
In Bursa, the trial of 4 defendants who are not in custody continues regarding the death of 5-year-old Deniz Sönmez, who fell ill after having 1 tooth extracted and fillings done on 4 teeth, including 1 root canal treatment, under sedation at a private dental clinic. The dentist A.G., who extracted Deniz Sönmez's tooth, stated that when he started working, sedation was performed at the dental clinic, saying, "I didn't think it was prohibited because sedation was done. I didn't question it either. I fell into a system, I feel used."
The incident occurred in November 2023. Elena and Aydın Sönmez took their only child, Deniz Sönmez, to the private dental clinic in the Hürriyet neighborhood of Osmangazi district due to complaints of toothache. After the examination, it was determined that Deniz had cavities, and an appointment was made for November 10. During the operation performed under sedation, 1 tooth was extracted, and fillings were done on 4 teeth, including 1 root canal treatment. Deniz Sönmez fell ill as the effects of the anesthesia wore off. Sönmez, who had severe bleeding in his mouth, developed a fever and began to tremble. Deniz was discharged with medication despite having bleeding, under the claim that his complaints were related to anesthesia. After about 20 minutes at home, Deniz fell ill and was taken to the intensive care unit of Dörtçelik Children's Hospital by his family. Deniz Sönmez passed away on November 13 due to multiple organ failure caused by lack of oxygen.
DENTAL CLINIC SEALED FOR 1 MONTH
The Provincial Health Directorate closed the dental clinic for 1 month, and after 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. at the Criminal Court of First Instance for the crimes of '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 the lawyers of the parties. In his defense, anesthesiologist L.O. claimed he was innocent, stating, "I didn't know that it was prohibited later, and that sedation would not be performed. Also, since the same procedure had been done on Deniz before and due to the necessity of scheduling appointments 4-5 months later in other hospitals for various reasons, this procedure was performed. I believe I have no fault in the procedure performed, and I request my acquittal."
'I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS PROHIBITED'
Dentist A.G. stated that sedation was performed at the dental clinic when he started working and claimed that a conspiracy was set up against him, saying:
"I had just started working. The responsible manager asked me if I could treat a child patient. I said I could. Probably, he asked the company owner as well. I think the first person who performs the initial treatment is responsible. The workplace was already operational when I started, and these procedures were being performed. I didn't think it was prohibited because sedation was done. Therefore, I didn't question it either. I was not informed about this. The responsible manager and the company owner 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 one who is truly faultless. 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 disorders in the permanent teeth that will come out later." A.G. stated that he worked for 3 more months after the incident, saying he did not receive his salary and that they did not pay him his dues when he wanted to leave the job.
'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 delayed any further; we request a good or bad result."
'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, who presented his opinion on the merits at the hearing, requested the acquittal of business partners M.Ç.G., M.Ö.A., M.E.K., and 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 postponed the hearing for a decision.