​9-Year-Old Girl Dies After Dental Procedure Under Anesthesia

A tragic incident occurred on March 18 in Vista, California, where 9-year-old Silvanna Moreno died hours after undergoing dental surgery under general anesthesia at Dreamtime Dentistry. People.com

Following the procedure, Silvanna was moved to a recovery room and later discharged in stable condition. During the car ride home, she remained asleep and was placed into her bed upon arrival. Family members checked on her throughout the day and later found her unresponsive. Emergency services transported her to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, where she was pronounced dead shortly before 6 p.m. People.com, CBS News 10, News San Diego KGTV, People.com

The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office and the San Diego Police Department are investigating the cause of death, which remains pending. Dr. Ryan Watkins, the dentist anesthesiologist at Dreamtime Dentistry, stated that Silvanna was continuously monitored during the procedure without complications and was discharged awake with stable vital signs. People.com, CBS News

Dr. Watkins had previously been investigated by the Dental Board of California and was on probation from 2020 to 2023. New York Post

Dreamtime Dentistry has expressed deep condolences and emphasized their commitment to patient safety, requesting patience and refraining from speculation until the investigation concludes. People.com

Silvanna is remembered as a bright, loving child, and her family has expressed gratitude for the support and condolences received during this difficult time. People.com