CarolinasDentist Blog

Common Hockey Injuries to the Mouth

Artistically blurry image of an athlete playing ice hockey on a rink while wearing a blue jersey and helmet

CarolinasDentist is proud to be an official partner of the Fayetteville Marksmen team, our professional minor league ice hockey team in Fayetteville!

Collision sports like ice hockey, field hockey, and floor hockey can result in serious injury to the mouth. Fortunately, damage can be minimized with the proper athletic safety equipment, such as a mouthguard and helmet. Mouth and jaw injuries can be painful without these protective items!

Common Hockey Injuries

Whether it is a collision with another player or a blow from a stick or puck, several common hockey injuries to the mouth can occur, ranging in severity from mild to critical:

  • Broken teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Knocked-out teeth
  • Cut lips
  • Facial lacerations
  • Swollen cheeks
  • Broken jaw

What to Do after a Hockey Injury

If you experience a mouth injury during an organized or a recreational hockey game, the adrenaline rush of trying to get the puck, the cacophonous sounds from any spectators, and the shock of impact can make it difficult to think clearly. Do your best to keep calm.

Rinse your mouth if you’ve experienced a broken or chipped tooth. We can recommend a restorative treatment, such as dental bonding or a dental crown, to repair your tooth.

Gently cleaning a cut lip can help prevent infection. Staunch any bleeding in your mouth with clean gauze.

Carefully handle a knocked-out tooth by its chewing surface and rinse it with milk or water. Try to replace the tooth into its socket or keep it moist in a container of milk. Call our office as soon as possible so we can prepare for your visit! Emergency treatment is essential to save your tooth. If you can’t find the tooth, please still schedule a visit so we can discuss your tooth replacement options.

Emergency Dental Care at CarolinasDentist

No matter how it occurs, dental trauma should be taken care of right away. Our CarolinasDentist locations can quickly handle a variety of dental emergencies, such as broken and knocked-out teeth, broken dentures, severe toothaches, and more. Please contact us ASAP for urgent treatment!

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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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