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Meet Dr. John Nauss

A general dentist with a passion for surgery and implant dentistry, and a practice built around one idea: take the time to get it right. Apex Dentistry & Implants is a family dental office in Johnson City, TN that also handles the complicated cases most offices refer out.

★★★★★   5.0 on Google  ·  479 reviews

Dr. John Nauss, DMD, Apex Dentistry & Implants
Dr. John Nauss, DMD1000+ hrs
Continuing Education
Dr. Nauss reviewing a scan with a patient
“If you've been told you're not a candidate for implants, I'd like a second look.”Dr. John Nauss
Meet the doctor

Dr. John Nauss, DMD

Dr. Nauss is a general dentist with a passion for surgery, implant dentistry, full-mouth reconstruction, and, above all, helping you find relief from the concerns that brought you in. From routine care to complete smile reconstructions, he brings advanced surgical training and a careful, precise approach to every patient who walks through the door.

Raised in a large family in rural southwestern Virginia, he grew up active in the Boy Scouts, his church, the outdoors, sports, and natural bodybuilding. He went on to study dentistry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

Through extensive continuing education, Dr. Nauss has trained across the full spectrum of implant dentistry, including single-tooth replacements, full-arch All-on-X reconstructions, sinus lifts, bone grafting, and specialized techniques for patients with significant bone loss. Over time, his passion for dentistry has grown into a strong focus on surgical and cosmetic care.

Dr. Nauss has completed more than 1,000 hours of continuing education, far exceeding the 20 hours required annually for dentists in Tennessee. He is an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and the Academy of General Dentistry, and he is pursuing multiple fellowships.

His highest priority, though, is simpler than any credential: connecting with each patient individually, helping them feel comfortable, and supporting them in reaching their own goals for their dental health. Whether you need a cleaning, a crown, or a brand-new smile built on All-on-X implants or veneers, Dr. Nauss takes the time to get it right.

Outside the clinic, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Jordan, and their four children: Max, Nora, Dom, and Sophia.

Education and training

Credentials that matter.

DMDUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
AACDAmerican Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, member
ICOIInternational Congress of Oral Implantologists, member
AGDAcademy of General Dentistry, member
1,000+Hours of continuing education
FellowshipsPursuing ICOI and AGD fellowships
All-on-XFull arch reconstruction trained
GraftingBone grafting and sinus lift trained
How we work

Four things you can count on.

01You'll see what we see

Digital x-rays and intraoral photos go up on the screen. Dr. Nauss walks you through them before recommending anything, so you're deciding with the same information he has.

02Options, with prices, before treatment

Every plan comes with alternatives and a written estimate. If a conservative fix will work, that's what gets recommended. If it won't, you'll know why.

03One office, start to finish

Most treatments are completed right here under one roof, including implant placement and restoration, in-office crown milling, hygiene treatment, extractions, cosmetic procedures, hard and soft tissue grafting, and more. The care Dr. Nauss plans for you is the same care he personally completes, giving you consistent oversight, clear communication, and a seamless experience from start to finish.

04Comfort isn't an add-on

Anxious patients, long procedures, and people who haven't been in years all receive the same unhurried pace and clear communication. Nitrous oxide is available in every operatory, and mild oral anxiolysis can be used when appropriate. For patients who need deeper relaxation, IV sedation will be available in our office in the future.

Book your visit

Let's get it right.

Tell us a little about what you need and we'll be in touch to find a time that works. New patients of every age are welcome, and if it's been a while, that's fine too.

Call (423) 282-5208 Accepting new patients
HoursMonday to Thursday: 8am to 4:30pm
Friday to Sunday: Closed

About Apex

Questions, answered.

What people ask when they're deciding on a dentist in Johnson City.

Is Dr. Nauss a specialist or a general dentist?

A general dentist with advanced surgical and implant training. That means he handles your routine care and the complicated procedures most general dentists refer out, like full arch implants, bone grafting, and sinus lifts, in the same office.

Do you see the whole family?

Yes. Apex is a family practice. Kids, adults, seniors, and anyone who's been putting it off. New patients of every age are welcome.

What makes Apex different from other dentists in Johnson City?

The combination. A comfortable family office that also does implants, surgery, and cosmetic work in-house, with 3D imaging and same-day crowns, run by a dentist whose reviews keep mentioning the same thing: he explains everything and doesn't rush.

Do you take my insurance?

We're in network with Delta Dental Premier only. If you have a different plan, we'll help you file claims so you can use your out-of-network benefits. For patients without insurance, we offer membership plans.

I'm nervous about the dentist. Is that a problem?

Not at all. Comfort is a priority here, not an add-on. Tell us when you book and we'll pace the visit around you. Nitrous oxide sedation is available now, and oral and IV sedation will be offered in the future.

How do I get started?

Call (423) 282-5208 or use the form above. Your first visit is a full exam, x-rays, and a cleaning, and you'll leave with a clear picture and a plan if anything needs attention.

Have a different question? Call Apex at (423) 282-5208.