News Summary
A 9-year-old girl from Vista, California, named Silvanna Moreno tragically passed away following a dental procedure. Despite being deemed stable post-surgery, she was found unresponsive at home and pronounced dead later. The San Diego Police Department is investigating the case, particularly surrounding the dental office and the anesthesiologist involved, who has a troubling history. The community has rallied around Silvanna’s family to offer support during this devastating time.
Tragic Loss in Vista: 9-Year-Old Girl Dies After Dental Surgery
In the sunny city of Vista, California, a heartbreaking incident has unfolded that has left a family and community mourning the loss of a bright young girl. Silvanna Moreno, just 9 years old, tragically passed away after undergoing a dental procedure under anesthesia on March 18, 2025, at a local dental practice, Dreamtime Dentistry.
A Routine Procedure Takes a Dark Turn
Silvanna was referred for dental treatment due to her young age and her struggles with acute situational anxiety. On the day of her surgery, she was put under anesthesia, which is a standard practice to ensure young patients remain calm and pain-free during procedures. After her surgery, the office reportedly moved her to a recovery room, where she was deemed stable and in good condition before she was discharged.
According to statements from the dental office, Silvanna was awake, had stable vital signs, and displayed intact protective reflexes as she left the facility. However, the events that followed took a tragic turn.
A Distressing Discovery
Once at home, Silvanna fell asleep during the journey and remained asleep while being placed in her bed. Family members regularly checked on her throughout the day, but when they went to see her later, they found her unresponsive. Desperate for help, they quickly called 911, and emergency responders rushed her to Rady Children’s Hospital.
Sadly, despite the efforts of the medical team, Silvanna was pronounced dead upon arrival. The exact cause of her death is still under investigation, with the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office working to determine what went wrong during or after her procedure.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials are keen on getting to the bottom of this tragic event. The San Diego Police Department’s child abuse unit has stepped in to handle the investigation due to the nature of the case involving a minor. Dreamtime Dentistry is reportedly cooperating fully with authorities as they sift through the events surrounding Silvanna’s passing.
The dental office’s chief anesthesiologist has stated that all standard post-anesthesia protocols were adhered to, pointing out that the safety and well-being of their patients remains their highest priority. With this tragic incident, they have asked for patience as the investigation unfolds.
A Troubling History
Adding layers of concern, the anesthesiologist involved, Dr. Ryan Watkins, has faced disciplinary action in the past—most notably in 2016, when a patient’s life hung in the balance during a similar procedure. That incident involved the administration of potentially hazardous medications, leading to a cardiac arrest situation. Though Dr. Watkins went on probation for that earlier incident from 2020 to 2023, he has since been practicing and was involved in Silvanna’s surgery.
Community Support
In the wake of Silvanna’s passing, her family has been devastated. They have received an outpouring of love and support from the community, leading to the creation of a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses. In a touching display of empathy, the campaign has raised over $15,000, showcasing how much Silvanna touched the hearts of those around her.
Silvanna is survived by her parents and three siblings, who are grappling with the immense loss of their bright, young daughter. A funeral service was held on March 26, 2025, where family, friends, and the community gathered to remember a little girl whose life was tragically cut short.
As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful for answers in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy. Our thoughts go out to the Moreno family during this profoundly difficult time.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Dental Anesthesia
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: Dental Surgery Anesthesia Risks
- Fox News
- Google Scholar: Dental Anesthesia Complications
- NBC San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dentistry
- People
- Google News: Dental Procedures Children
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
