CarolinasDentist Blog

Sports-Related Dental Emergencies

Injuring your mouth and knocking out a tooth or two aren’t just things that can happen in a professional hockey game—they can happen to you, too, especially if you aren’t wearing proper protective gear. These are the most common dental emergencies in sports and how to prepare for them.

Common Dental Injuries

The most common sports-related dental injuries are chips, cracks, and completely knocked out teeth. Accidents can happen at any time, but they frequently happen when someone isn’t wearing a mouthguard. Don’t panic if you sustain any of these injuries! Visit a dental office that offers emergency services to help you get your teeth back in good shape.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

If you have serious pain, swelling, excessive bleeding, or have broken or lost a tooth completely, you should see a dentist right away to prevent further injury and to manage your discomfort. If you can save your missing tooth or the broken fragments of your tooth, your dentist may be able to piece it all back together. If not, we can discuss your options to restore your broken, chipped, or missing tooth in the future.

Gargling with salt water is an important way to prevent bacteria from entering any vulnerable areas around the injury. Be sure to ice your cheeks in ten-minute increments to keep swelling down and to help ease the pain.

How to Prepare for a Dental Emergency

1. if you play contact sports and don’t have an athletic mouthguard, then you should get one as soon as possible. Compared to one-size-fits-all versions from the store, a dental professional can make you one specifically designed for your mouth for better protection and fit.

2. Make a plan for where you’ll go to be treated. Check with your dentist beforehand to see if they offer same-day emergency services or can reasonably accommodate emergency patients during hours of operation. Don’t hesitate to call CarolinasDentist and we’ll get you in one of our five locations ASAP.

Dental injuries are no fun, but it is always best to remain calm. Once you are able to see your dentist, know that you’ll be in good hands and that you’ll be on the road to recovery in no time. While we hope that you don’t have to come in for an emergency, our team is here to help you with all of your oral healthcare needs. Schedule your next appointment 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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