Third-grader Silvanna Moreno should have been worrying about homework and playground games – not becoming a medical anomaly. But the vibrant child became one of the extremely rare fatalities linked to dental anesthesia when she developed methemoglobinemia after a routine procedure.
What makes the tragedy even more heartbreaking is how ordinary everything seemed initially. Silvanna had minor tooth issues, no concerning medical history, and sailed through her appointment with stable vital signs. Only hours later, the unthinkable happened as she slipped away in her own home.
The local community has wrapped its arms around the Moreno family, donating nearly double the funeral costs through an outpouring of support. Meanwhile, Dreamtime Dentistry has pledged to review all safety procedures while respecting the family’s privacy during this devastating time.
🇺🇸 A nine-year-old girl died after going to a San Diego dentist's office for a routine surgery. Silvanna Moreno had dental surgery under anesthesia at Dreamtime Dentistry on March 18. According to the practice website, Dr. Ryan Watkins is the only dentist listed who is trained in… pic.twitter.com/drGAtKbzu7
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