9-year-old girl in California dies after dental surgery under anesthesia
A 9-year-old girl in California has died following a dental procedure in which she was placed under anesthesia, according to the County of San Diego Medical Examiner's Office.
Silvanna Moreno underwent the surgery at a dentist’s office in Vista on March 18, the medical examiner’s office reported, identifying the location as Dreamtime Dentistry. After the procedure, she was moved to a recovery room before being discharged.
Dr. Ryan Watkins, a dentist anesthesiologist at Dreamtime Dentistry, stated to CBS 8 San Diego that all standard post-anesthesia protocols were followed. He emphasized that Moreno was discharged in stable condition—awake, with stable vital signs and intact protective reflexes—into her mother's care.
However, the medical examiner’s office reported that Moreno "remained asleep during her transport home" and continued "sleeping" after being placed in bed. Her family checked on her throughout the day but later found her unresponsive.
Emergency responders were called, and Moreno was transported to the Rady Children's Hospital emergency department, where she was later pronounced dead.