CarolinasDentist Blog

Tips to Handle a Dental Emergency

A white tooth next to a red first aid kit to indicate a dental emergency

Dental emergencies are often stressful situations and it can be difficult to know the best way to handle them. Fortunately, CarolinasDentist is your local emergency dentist. Our team is here to help your family with any tooth, gum, or mouth-related emergency.

Stay Calm at Home

There are often steps patients can take before they head to one of our offices for a dental emergency. Should you or a loved one knock out an adult tooth, for example, carefully pick the tooth up by the crown and rinse it off if possible before either reinserting it into the socket or putting it in a glass of milk. Patients with severe dental bleeding should hold a piece of clean cloth or gauze over the source of the bleeding for at least 15 minutes to try to slow or stop the bleeding. If a large object is wedged between the teeth, try to use a piece of floss to carefully dislodge the object if it’s not too painful.

Call Your Emergency Dentist at CarolinasDentist!

It’s best to turn to a dental professional in your time of need than to search the internet or post on your social media for advice. So if you’re not sure what to do next or you know you need to make an appointment to see an emergency dentist, please give your nearest CarolinasDentist location a call. Calling ahead allows our team to walk you through how to handle your emergency, as well as prepare for your arrival so we can offer immediate treatment upon your arrival.

Take Preventive Measures

Keeping a first aid kit handy, even a basic one, can be very helpful for both dental and medical emergencies. In addition to over-the-counter pain relievers, we recommend always having gauze around for possible injuries. Many people already have salt in their kitchens, which can be used to create warm saltwater rinses that can cleanse the mouth. Cold compresses can reduce oral pain and swelling. Finally, we recommend that every patient visit our office on a regular basis so that any developing dental issues can be diagnosed and treated early on before they advance into full-blown dental emergencies.

If you need emergency dentistry or have any questions about your oral health, please contact CarolinasDentist today!

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

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