CarolinasDentist Blog

How to Handle a Holiday Dental Emergency

young woman holds her jaw in pain with a dental emergency

If you experience a dental emergency this holiday season, you might feel like there’s a lot more that’s frightful than just the weather outside! But emergencies do happen, and our team at CarolinasDentist is here to help you prepare for the worst.

Defining a Dental Emergency

First, it’s important to outline what constitutes a dental emergency. Here are some of the most common signs:

  • Chipped, cracked, or knocked out teeth
  • Intense pain and swelling
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Defective dental device
  • Complications after a recent dental procedure

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, the first piece of advice we have is: don’t panic! It might be hard to do, but it’ll help you navigate the situation so much more smoothly if you do so calmly.

If you’re unsure if what you’re experiencing is a dental emergency, contact your dentist anyway. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

How to Handle a Dental Emergency

When you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact a dentist who accepts emergency appointments. CarolinasDentist offers emergency dentistry at our offices, and we will do all we can to see you on the very same day you call.

Depending on the type of dental emergency you’re having, there are a few things you could do at home before heading to your dentist’s office. For example, if you are experiencing swelling, you can try to ice the area for 10 minute increments to reduce the pain and inflammation. If you’ve knocked out a tooth, you can try to preserve the tooth in a glass of milk before heading to your dentist’s office to see if it’s possible to reattach it.

Cost of a Dental Emergency

Many times patients avoid calling dentists during emergencies for fear they cannot afford treatment. We never want this to be the case at CarolinasDentist. We offer a variety of payment options, including our Carolina Cares Program, CareCredit®, and Comprehensive Finance™ to give you the gift of a healthy smile no matter your budget.

 

Emergency Dentistry in North Carolina

Dental emergencies are downright stressful, especially if they occur during the holidays. Our team at CarolinasDentist is here to help you feel safe, comfortable, and right at home at one of our many North Carolina dental offices. Head to our homepage for the contact information of your nearby office!

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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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