Inset: Derek Swanson (Facebook). Background: Scottsdale Facial and Oral Surgery in Arizona, where Derek Swanson allegedly suffered a fatal brain injury while receiving anesthesia for a dental implant procedure (Google Maps).
A tragic outcome followed a routine dental visit for an Arizona man who went in for a tooth implant. Complications with anesthesia led to a fatal brain injury, and now his family has reached a legal settlement after pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit, as reported by their legal representatives.
Derek Swanson shared his excitement on social media, posting a photo from the dentist’s chair with the caption, “Yesterday, new car. Today, implant! Fun never stops.” This was reported by local ABC station KNXV.
Reflecting on his enthusiasm, Swanson’s mother, Brenda Swanson, expressed to KNXV earlier this year, “He was so excited. He had taken care of many dental issues, and his teeth were looking great.” This statement came after the wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Dr. Derek Lamb and Scottsdale Facial and Oral Surgery.
The lawsuit accused Dr. Lamb and the dental practice of critical failures in administering anesthesia to the 40-year-old Swanson, which deprived him of sufficient oxygen and resulted in the brain injury that ultimately claimed his life.
Brenda Swanson recounted the tragic timeline, “This happened on March 3, 2023, and we removed Derek from life support on March 10.” She remembered vividly, “When they called Derek back, he gave me a wink and said, ‘love you,’ before walking away.”
As she waited in the lobby, Brenda grew anxious when Derek didn’t return after the procedure. She noted hearing an ambulance arrive outside but did not immediately connect it to her son’s situation.
“There was a hospital right nearby with an emergency room,” Brenda said. “So I heard a siren, and I just assumed it was from the hospital, not realizing that the ambulance had come.”
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner later determined that Swanson’s death was due to complications of anesthesia administration. “We think Dr. Lamb made a variety of mistakes, not just in proceeding with the procedure, but in failing to adapt to the changing circumstances,” said Shannon Clark, an attorney who represented the family, in a statement to KNXV. “Dr. Lamb, in this case, was not only doing the procedure, but he was also responsible for the anesthesiology aspect of it.”
The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners reportedly investigated Swanson’s death and said there were multiple deviations from standard care. The board determined that Lamb failed to consider risk factors, including the fact that Swanson allegedly told him he smoked cannabis the morning of the procedure. This was an issue because, according to the board, cannabis increases the risk of a throat spasm occurring during anesthesia.
Lamb’s conduct was deemed unprofessional and he was ordered to complete 12 hours of dental education. His anesthesia permit was also suspended for three months.
The Swanson family confirmed this week that a settlement was reached with Lamb and his dental practice, with their lawyers telling KNXV, “We can confirm that the case has settled and is now dismissed. We are not at liberty to comment further on that matter.”
Lamb and Scottsdale Facial and Oral Surgery did not respond to Law&Crime’s requests for comment on Tuesday.
