Ilkeston man died from complications after teeth extraction

An inquest found Mr Briggs died from known complications

New guidance for dentists across the country has been issued following the death of a Derbyshire man.

Michael Briggs, 79, was in pain and went to his dentist to have several teeth removed in November 2022.

He went back to his Ilkeston home to recover but by December he was admitted to Royal Derby Hospital's emergency department with bleeding and a fever.

By January he had died suffering from an infection inside the lining of his heart.

Mr Briggs had a prosthetic heart valve and was taking anticoagulants, which increased his risk of complications.

This risk was recognised in guidance already in place for dentists in Scotland that patients should have antibiotics prior to going under the knife.

His GP had expressed no issues with him having the extractions and the dental work was described as "uneventful", according to a prevention of future deaths report.

Prevention of future deaths

But blood tests carried out when he was admitted to A&E showed he had developed an infection in his heart.

Despite treatment, his condition worsened and he died in hospital.

An inquest into his death in March found Mr Briggs died from "recognised complications arising from a dental extraction".

Now, assistant coroner for Derby and Derbyshire Sophie Lomas has issued a prevention of future deaths report.

New guidance will be drawn up by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for dentists in England and Wales on how to manage patients with underlying conditions at a greater risk of such infections.