Tragic Loss of 9-Year-Old Girl After Dental Surgery in California

Categories: California Breaking NewsCalifornia News

A welcoming dental clinic designed to ensure patient comfort and safety.

News Summary

A 9-year-old girl named Silvanna Moreno died shortly after a dental surgery at Dreamtime Dentistry in California. Despite being discharged in stable condition, she became unresponsive while at home. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of her death, particularly concerning the dentist involved, who has a history of prior incidents. The community mourns her loss and supports her family during this difficult time.

Tragic Loss of Young Girl in California Following Dental Surgery

Vista, California has been shaken by a heartbreaking tragedy as a 9-year-old girl named Silvanna Moreno lost her life shortly after undergoing dental surgery. The procedure, which took place at Dreamtime Dentistry on March 18, 2025, was meant to address her dental needs due to her young age and her acute situational anxiety. While dental surgeries are often routine and typically safe, this incident has raised serious concerns and prompted an ongoing investigation.

The Procedure and What Followed

Silvanna was placed under anesthesia for her dental surgery and successfully moved to a recovery room once the procedure was complete. The team at Dreamtime Dentistry reported that she was discharged in what they considered to be a stable condition. They stated that she was awake, had stable vital signs, and her protective reflexes were intact at the time of discharge.

However, as the family transported her home, Silvanna fell asleep, and tragically, she never woke up. Family members monitored her during the day but found her unresponsive when they checked on her later. Desperate to save her, they called 911, and emergency responders rushed her to Rady Children’s Hospital. Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead upon arrival, leaving her family in immense grief and disbelief.

Investigation Underway

The investigation into the cause of Silvanna’s death is ongoing. The County of San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office is working diligently to gather all the necessary information, and a final report detailing the circumstances surrounding her passing will be released at a later date. The San Diego Police Department’s child abuse unit is also involved, primarily because the case concerns the death of a minor.

Dr. Ryan Watkins, the dentist anesthesiologist at Dreamtime Dentistry, claims that all standard post-anesthesia protocols were adhered to during Silvanna’s treatment. He emphasized the dental office’s commitment to patient safety and urged the community to be patient during the investigation process.

Background Concerns and Previous Incidents

This case raises eyebrows not only because of Silvanna’s tragic loss but also due to the background of Dr. Watkins. He had previously faced disciplinary action from the state related to a 2016 incident where a patient nearly died during a dental procedure under anesthesia. That earlier incident involved the administration of potentially harmful drugs, which led to cardiac arrest. Following this, Dr. Watkins was on disciplinary probation from 2020 to 2023, which adds another layer of concern in this recent case.

Community Support and Mourning

In the wake of Silvanna’s passing, her family and friends have come together to cope with the profound loss. To help cover funeral expenses, they set up a verified GoFundMe account, which successfully raised over $15,000. A funeral service for Silvanna was held on March 26, 2025, attended by loved ones who shared cherished memories of the young girl.

Silvanna’s absence leaves a significant void, not just in her family, including her parents and three siblings, but also in the larger community, which is mourning the loss of such a bright young life. As the investigation unfolds and the community rallies around the Moreno family, many are left questioning how this tragedy could have occurred and what changes may be needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.