A Maryland teenager's death during a relatively standard medical procedure has led to national debate whether that procedure is worth the risk at all. Meanwhile, parents of the victim have filed a lawsuit for medical malpractice in their daughter's death.

The 17-year-old girl was having her wisdom teeth removed -- a procedure many oral surgeons say is essential for individuals -- when she died of complications. Parents of the victim have identified the oral surgeon and anesthesiologist as defendants in the case.

The parents argue that both the surgeon and anesthesiologist did not act quick enough to revive their daughter. The suit claims that both the girl's heart rate and blood pressure plummeted during the procedure, but the duo did not take appropriate action in reviving her. Ultimately the girl's death was a result of oxygen deprivation, as ruled by the chief medical examiner for Maryland. This was due in part to being anesthetized.

While deaths during the procedure are rare, they do exist, which is a stark problem. The same type of surgery claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy near Atlanta, Georgia as well.

Because the removal of wisdom teeth is carried out like any other surgery, it includes the same risks -- things like nerve damage, hypoxia and brain damage. These are large risks when paired with the fact that some dentists question whether the process is even necessary. Some say the procedure has been so widely accepted because it is based on flawed information. Other surgeons claim that by removing wisdom teeth, it helps prevent damage to other teeth and nerves.

Source: Examiner.com, "Is wisdom tooth surgery safe? Parents sue after teen dies," Kelly George, Dec. 16, 2011