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New patients,
welcome.
Everything you need to know before your first visit to Apex Dentistry & Implants in Johnson City: what to bring, what happens, what it costs, and how to make it as easy as possible. New patients of every age are welcome, and if it’s been a while, that’s fine too.
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google · 479 reviews
What happens when you walk in.
Plan on about an hour. The goal of the first visit is a complete picture of your mouth and a plan you understand, not to do as much work as possible in one sitting.
- 01Check in
Forms done ahead of time if you like, or a few minutes in the lobby. We'll ask what brought you in and what you want out of the visit.
- 02X-rays and photos
A full set of digital x-rays and intraoral photos so you can see what we see. Low dose, and if your last dentist took recent x-rays we can often use those.
- 03Cleaning
Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar, polishes, and measures your gums. If it's been years, we may recommend a deeper cleaning at a second visit.
- 04Exam with Dr. Nauss
Every tooth, your gums, your bite, and an oral cancer screening. He walks you through the photos and x-rays as he goes and answers whatever you ask.
- 05Your plan
If everything's healthy, see you in six months. If not, you get clear options with prices, and you decide what happens next. Nothing is done without your say-so.
A short list, nothing complicated.
Most of what we need we'll gather in the chair. These five things make the visit faster.
- Photo ID and insurance cardIf you have Delta Dental Premier, we'll verify your benefits before the visit. With any other plan, we'll help you file for your out-of-network benefits.
- A list of medications and supplementsSome affect bleeding, healing, and what we can safely prescribe. Blood thinners and bone medications especially.
- Previous dental x-rays, if you have themNot required. If they're recent we can often skip retaking them.
- Any dental appliances you useNight guard, retainer, partial. We'll check the fit while you're here.
- Your questionsWrite them down. Dr. Nauss would rather answer ten than have you leave with one.
No surprises on the bill.
You'll know what a visit costs before it starts. Here's how we handle the money side.
If you have Delta Dental Premier, give us your information when you book and we'll verify your benefits before your appointment. You'll see your estimated coverage and your portion in writing.
We're out of network with other plans, but we'll help you file claims so you can use your out-of-network benefits. Bring your card and we'll walk you through it.
We offer a membership plan for patients without insurance. Ask about it when you book. Either way, you'll get a clear price for every service before it happens, and you'll never be charged for something you didn't approve.
Implants, full arch cases, and smile makeovers are investments, so financing is available. Every treatment plan comes with an itemized estimate, and if the plan changes, so does the estimate, before we proceed.
You're in good company.
A lot of our new patients haven't seen a dentist in years. Here's what's true, and what isn't.
- Nobody here will lecture you. We've heard every reason and none of them matter now
- Your first visit will take a little longer so we can get the full picture
- Some things we find will need treatment, some won't, and we'll tell you which is which
- You'll get options and prices before anything is done
- If you're anxious, nitrous oxide is available and we'll pace the visit around you
- Coming in now is cheaper than coming in later, every single time
- That you'll need everything fixed at once (you won't)
- That it'll hurt (modern anesthetic and a gentle hygienist)
- That it's too late (it almost never is)
- That you'll be judged for how it looks in there
- That the first visit is a sales pitch (it's an exam and a conversation)
- That you need insurance to be seen (you don't)
Dr. John Nauss, DMD
A general dentist with advanced surgical and implant training, which means your routine care is with someone who can handle whatever turns up. His stated first priority is to connect with each patient individually, make them comfortable, and help them reach their own goals. Read the reviews. That's the thing people mention most.
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 people ask before their first visit to a new dentist in Johnson City.
How long is the first appointment?
About an hour. That covers x-rays, photos, a cleaning, a gum check, an oral cancer screening, and the exam with Dr. Nauss. If it's been years since your last visit, plan on a little longer.
Do I need to fill out forms ahead of time?
You can, and it saves ten minutes in the lobby. If you'd rather do them when you arrive, come a few minutes early and we'll get you set up.
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 offer fluoride and sealants to keep cavities off the table as they grow.
Can I get treatment on the first visit?
Sometimes. If you come in with a specific problem, like a broken tooth or pain, we'll address it. For a routine new patient exam, the first visit is about the full picture, and treatment is scheduled after you've seen the plan and the price.
What if I'm nervous?
Tell us when you book. We'll pace the visit around you and explain everything before it happens. Nitrous oxide is available in every operatory, and our operative rooms have ceiling TVs with noise-cancelling headphones. Dental anxiety is common and we're used to it.
Can I transfer my records from my old dentist?
Yes, and it helps. Ask your previous office to send x-rays and records to us, or bring copies. If they're recent we may be able to skip retaking x-rays at your first visit.
Have a different question? Call Apex at (423) 282-5208.