On February 3, 2026, I had a tooth extraction performed by Dr. Kelly J. Hwang, DDS at Sabre…read moreSprings. The tooth was described to me as large, cracked, and presented as an emergency requiring immediate extraction. I trusted this recommendation and proceeded with treatment. In hindsight, I felt pressured to move forward urgently and later questioned whether immediate extraction was necessary.
Following the extraction, I experienced significant and persistent pain that felt more severe than expected. I was instructed to take ibuprofen for pain control. After taking it as directed, I developed severe burning stomach pain and gastrointestinal distress, including symptoms consistent with gastritis and diarrhea. The pain interfered with my ability to eat, sleep, and recover. When I contacted the office and explained the medication was causing serious stomach distress, I was told to continue taking ibuprofen and was told that these types of reactions do not occur. This response was concerning because gastrointestinal irritation, including stomach pain and diarrhea, are recognized potential side effects of ibuprofen. I felt dismissed and unsafe because my physical symptoms were not acknowledged, and I was not provided alternative pain management guidance.
Because my pain continued and felt abnormal, I returned to the office for follow-up care. I was physically exhausted, emotionally distressed, and frightened something was wrong with my healing. During the visit, I was informed that food was present in the extraction socket. The provider rinsed the socket and mentioned antibiotics might be prescribed.
I attempted to explain the severity of my pain and asked questions about possible complications. When I referenced information I had researched to understand my symptoms, I was told my information was incorrect. I explained that I did not have a primary dentist for follow-up care and was seeking help because I did not know where else to go. I was told that this was not the office's problem, which made me feel abandoned while experiencing post-surgical pain.
The interaction escalated when multiple staff members became involved simultaneously. Their tone and presence felt overwhelming and intimidating while I was already in pain and emotionally distressed. I felt outnumbered, unheard, and increasingly anxious. I was then asked to leave the office.
Being asked to leave while still in severe pain and without guidance was frightening and upsetting. I left feeling physically unwell, emotionally shaken, and unsure how to safely care for a surgical wound without professional support.
I left the appointment without receiving:
* Clear post-operative instructions
* A confirmed treatment plan
* Prescribed medication that had been mentioned
* Guidance for managing ongoing pain
* Follow-up care or referral instructions
* Alternative pain management after reporting medication side effects
I am concerned that dismissing a patient reporting post-surgical complications, medication intolerance, and unresolved pain without providing discharge instructions or continuity of care places patients at risk. I respectfully request a review of whether appropriate standards of care, patient communication, medication counseling, and follow-up obligations were met.
