Mom Says Son Ended Up on Life Support After Having Wisdom Teeth Removed
Any time we consider a surgical procedure, we must evaluate the potential risks and rewards involved.
Even in the hands of a skilled medical professional who works carefully to minimize risk, surgeries can and do have unintended consequences.
A Texas mother is concerned for her son’s life after claiming that an infection from a dental surgery left him hospitalized.
On August 6, Ginger Wang told the story of how her 18-year-old son, who she described as “healthy, full of life and loving,” had his wisdom teeth removed on a Friday.
Wang explained that her son Austin’s pain progressively worsened throughout the weekend and when Monday morning rolled around, the pain had become unbearable.
“Monday morning he said to me, ‘Mom, I feel like I’m going to die,'” Wang posted on Facebook.
The day proved to be a whirlwind of events, ending with Wang fearing for her son’s life.
“I called his surgeon’s office which I couldn’t reach. We were sent to a different location and they examined him. They told us to immediately get him to the ER so they could drain my son’s mouth,” Wang explained.
At the emergency room, Austin’s airways began to close and his body became lethargic.
According to Wang, Austin was diagnosed with an infection: Ludwig’s angina. According to American Family Physician, Ludwig’s angina is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that originates in the mouth, typically underneath the tongue.
In Austin’s case, the infection had already started to spread through his face, jaw, neck and throat.
“Everyone came into his room and I started shaking as I was asked to sign here and sign there, my son was then placed on life support,” Wang wrote.
Austin underwent emergency surgery as his mother waited, fearful of her son’s fate.
“I’m sitting in ICU, I’m scared, I’m very scared. My son, my first born, he’s lying in the hospital bed on life support. I’m not ready for him to leave me, to leave his brothers, and his sister,” Wang wrote.
Wang decided to share her son’s story to raise awareness of the risks involved with wisdom tooth removal. She also urgently requested prayers on behalf of Austin.
“I’m asking for anyone and everyone to please pray for my son,” she concluded.
Our thoughts and prayers go out for the Wang family as the navigate this uncertain time.
The Western Journal has reached out to Ginger Wang, but has not received a response. We will update this article if and when we do.
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