Home/General Dentistry
General Dentist in
Johnson City, TN
Cleanings, exams, and preventive care for the whole family, from an office that also handles the complicated stuff. Dr. John Nauss and his team take the time to explain what they see and what your options are, so nothing gets rushed and nothing gets pushed.
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google · 479 reviews
The visits that keep everything else simple.
General dentistry is the routine care that catches small problems while they're still small: exams, cleanings, x-rays, and the honest conversation about what your mouth actually needs.
Most of what walks through our door as an emergency started as something a checkup would have caught a year earlier. Twice-a-year visits are the cheapest dental care you'll ever buy.
What a visit at Apex looks like
A hygienist cleans your teeth and checks your gums. Digital x-rays when they're due, not on a fixed schedule. Then Dr. Nauss does his exam, walks you through anything he sees, and lays out options if something needs attention. Nobody pressures you into treatment. You leave knowing exactly where you stand.
A general dentist in Johnson City who also does the hard stuff
Dr. Nauss is a general dentist first, but his surgical and implant training means that if a routine visit turns up something bigger, from a failing tooth to a cracked molar, you don't get referred across town. The same office that found the problem fixes it.
Family friendly, anxiety friendly
Kids, adults, and patients who haven't been to a dentist in years are all welcome. If it's been a while, say so. Nobody here is going to lecture you. We'll just figure out where to start.
Routine care, done properly.
The four things every patient needs, and the ones most offices skip.
Six-month cleanings, gum checks, digital x-rays, and a real exam from Dr. Nauss, not a drive-by.
Learn more → 02Oral Cancer ScreeningsA two-minute check at every exam. Caught early, oral cancer is very treatable. Caught late, it isn't.
Learn more → 03Fluoride & SealantsCheap, painless cavity prevention for kids and for adults who are prone to decay.
Learn more → 04Nightguards & TMJ CareIf you wake up with a sore jaw or worn teeth, a custom guard protects both. We'll also look at what's causing it.
Learn more →What happens when you walk in.
- 01Check in
Paperwork done online ahead of time if you like. We'll ask what's bothering you, if anything, and what you want out of the visit.
- 02X-rays and photos
Digital x-rays and intraoral photos so you can see what we see. Low dose, and only what's actually needed.
- 03Cleaning
Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar, polishes, and measures your gums. It's gentle, and we'll stop if anything's uncomfortable.
- 04Exam
Dr. Nauss checks every tooth, your gums, your bite, and does an oral cancer screening. He walks you through the photos and x-rays as he goes.
- 05Plan
If everything's healthy, we'll see you in six months. If not, you get clear options and honest pricing, and you decide what happens next.
Signs you're overdue.
Most people know when they've been putting it off. Here's what usually gets them back in the chair, and what to expect if it's been a while.
- Haven't seen a dentist in more than a year
- Have gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Notice sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
- Have bad breath that brushing doesn't fix
- Wake up with a sore jaw or headaches
- Just moved to Johnson City and need a dentist
- Your first visit may take a little longer so we can get a full picture
- We may recommend a deeper cleaning before a regular one
- Some things we find will need treatment. Some won't. We'll tell you which is which
- Nothing is done without your say-so and a clear price first
- You will not get a lecture. You'll get a plan
- Anxious? Tell us at booking and we'll pace the visit around you
Dr. John Nauss, DMD
A general dentist who happens to have advanced surgical training. That combination matters more than it sounds: it means your routine visits are with someone who can handle whatever they find, and it means his first priority is still the simple one. Connect with each patient, make them comfortable, and help them reach their own goals for their teeth.
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 patientsFriday to Sunday: Closed
Questions, answered.
What patients ask most before booking a checkup in Johnson City.
How often should I see a dentist in Johnson City for a cleaning?
Every six months for most people. If you have gum disease, a history of heavy tartar, or certain medical conditions, Dr. Nauss may recommend every three or four months. We'll tell you which schedule fits you after your first exam.
What happens at a new patient exam?
A full set of digital x-rays, intraoral photos, a cleaning, a gum health check, an oral cancer screening, and an exam with Dr. Nauss. Plan on about an hour. You'll leave with a clear picture of your mouth and a plan if anything needs attention.
I haven't been to the dentist in years. Will I be judged?
No. It's one of the most common things we hear, and the only wrong move is waiting longer. Tell us at booking and we'll pace the first visit around getting a clear picture, not around catching up on everything at once.
Do you see kids?
Yes. Apex is a family practice. We recommend a first visit by age one or when the first tooth comes in, and we do fluoride and sealants to keep cavities off the table as kids grow.
Do you take my dental 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 a membership plan and financing, and we'll always give you a price before treatment starts.
Are dental x-rays safe?
Modern digital x-rays use a fraction of the radiation of older film x-rays, less than you'd get on a short flight. We only take them when they're due, and we'll explain what we're looking for before we do.
Have a different question? Call Apex at (423) 282-5208.