What started as a routine dental visit for a 9-year-old girl ended in heartbreak just hours later. Silvanna Moreno walked into Dreamtime Dentistry in Vista, California, on March 18 for what should have been a straightforward procedure. By evening, her family was saying goodbye at Rady Children’s Hospital.
Now, authorities are piecing together what went wrong during those hours between leaving the dental office and emergency responders arriving at her home. Two different versions of events have emerged, leaving more questions than answers about Silvanna’s final day.
What Happened at Dreamtime Dentistry That Day
Silvanna needed dental work under general anesthesia because of her young age and anxiety about dental procedures. Dr. Ryan Watkins, a licensed dentist trained in anesthesiology, performed the treatment at his Vista practice.
During the procedure, medical staff continuously monitored Silvanna. No complications appeared during the dental work itself, according to the dental office’s statement.
After completing the procedure, the staff moved Silvanna to a recovery room before discharging her to her mother’s care. Standard post-anesthesia protocols were followed, the dental office reported.
A Routine Day That Turned Tragic
Once home, Silvanna’s family continued to check on her throughout the day. She had remained sleepy since leaving the dental office, which initially didn’t raise alarm bells for her parents.
Hours passed quietly until the unthinkable happened. Family members found Silvanna unresponsive in her bed and immediately called 911 for help.
Emergency responders rushed her to Rady Children’s Hospital, where medical teams tried everything to save her life. Despite their efforts, Silvanna was pronounced dead shortly before 6 p.m. that evening.
Who Was Silvanna Moreno
Silvanna brought joy wherever she went at Sherman Elementary School in San Diego. Her teachers and classmates knew her as a third grader who lit up every room she entered.
“She was the sunshine in every room she entered, always greeting staff and classmates with a big smile and an even bigger hug,” according to her family’s GoFundMe page.
Friends remembered her as kind and caring. She made everyone feel like a friend, regardless of their background. At home, Silvanna showed the same loving spirit as a devoted big sister to Roberto.
Her family describes losing such a bright and joyful soul as immeasurable pain that extends far beyond her immediate family to everyone who knew her.
Different Stories About Her Condition After Surgery
Here’s where the accounts diverge. Two different versions of Silvanna’s condition after the procedure have emerged, creating confusion about her final hours.
According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, Silvanna “remained asleep during her transport home” and “stayed sleeping and was transitioned into her bed at home.”
But Dreamtime Dentistry tells a different story. Office representatives say Silvanna was awake in the recovery room and that her mother “helped her stand up and she was wheeled out the back [and] stood up.”
Video footage reportedly shows Silvanna standing on her feet as she gets into the car, which the dental office turned over to police investigators.
Dr. Watkins and His Track Record
Dr. Ryan Watkins brings significant credentials to pediatric dental anesthesia. He holds multiple certifications, including Diplomate status with the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology and Fellowship from the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.
His experience spans over 20 years of successfully administering general anesthesia to children. He maintains an active membership in the American Society of Dental Anesthesiologists.
On paper, Watkins appears well-qualified for the complex task of providing anesthesia to young patients. His training focuses explicitly on the delicate balance required when sedating children for dental procedures.
However, his professional record includes a serious incident that raises questions about his past performance under pressure.
When Things Went Wrong Before
In 2016, another patient’s heart stopped while under Watkins’ care at Dreamtime Dentistry. A 54-year-old man suffered cardiac arrest during a dental procedure after receiving two drugs from Watkins.
According to investigators, one of those medications should never have been administered to the patient. When the man’s heart rate rose during the procedure, Watkins gave him a drug that caused his heart to stop completely.
Watkins performed chest compressions and used an automatic defibrillator to save the patient’s life. After two days in the hospital, the man recovered and was discharged.
However, the incident had serious consequences for Watkins. State dental board investigators placed him on probation from 2020 to 2023. The patient also filed a civil lawsuit against the dentist, which was later settled.
Police Investigation Now Underway
San Diego Police Department’s Child Abuse Unit has taken over the investigation into Silvanna’s death. Detectives are working alongside the county medical examiner to determine precisely what caused her death.
“At this time, the cause of death has not been determined. The medical examiner is conducting a thorough investigation, with which we are fully cooperating. We are committed to ensuring all facts come to light.” Dreamtime Dentistry stated in their public response to the tragedy.
The medical examiner’s office continues conducting a thorough investigation to establish the cause and manner of death. Until they complete their work, the connection between the dental procedure and Silvanna’s death remains unclear.
Authorities have requested patience while they gather all the facts. They warn that premature speculation might cause additional pain to Silvanna’s grieving family.
Family Struggles With Unimaginable Loss
Silvanna leaves behind her parents, Itzel de Jesus and Roberto Moreno, along with siblings Isis, Fabian, and Roberto Nicolas. Her grandparents and extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins are also mourning her loss.
Community support has poured in through a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $19,000 to help cover funeral expenses. Donors want to help the family give Silvanna “a beautiful and fitting farewell.”
Funeral services were held on March 26 at Cypress View Mausoleum and Crematory in San Diego. Family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of a girl who brought pure joy and love to everyone around her.
What Parents Need to Know About Pediatric Dental Anesthesia
Many children require general anesthesia for dental procedures, especially when they’re too young to cooperate or have severe dental anxiety. Dentists use anesthesia to keep kids comfortable during complex treatments.
Safety protocols typically include continuous monitoring of heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels throughout the procedure. Trained professionals should oversee every aspect of anesthesia administration and recovery.
Parents should ask about their dentist’s training in anesthesia and experience with pediatric patients. Find out how many similar procedures they’ve performed and what safety equipment is available.
Request information about the specific medications that will be used and their potential side effects. Ensure you understand the post-procedure instructions and know who to contact with any concerns.
Red Flags Every Parent Should Recognize
After dental anesthesia, children usually feel drowsy for several hours. However, certain warning signs require immediate medical attention.
Difficulty breathing, blue lips or fingernails, and inability to wake the child are serious red flags. Persistent vomiting, high fever, or extreme lethargy beyond normal recovery time also warrant emergency care.
Children should gradually become more alert as anesthesia wears off. While some sleepiness is expected, parents should be able to rouse their child periodically to check responsiveness.
Most children recover from dental anesthesia within 24 hours. If your child shows concerning symptoms or doesn’t improve within this timeframe, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Trust your parental instincts. If something feels wrong about your child’s condition after anesthesia, don’t hesitate to seek medical help. Quick action can make the difference between recovery and tragedy.
Silvanna’s story serves as a heartbreaking reminder that even routine medical procedures carry risks. While dental anesthesia is generally safe, parents must remain vigilant during the recovery period and advocate for their children’s safety at every step.
Featured Image Source: GoFundme
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