John Barras, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Austin, TX. He is a dedicated and registered provider with The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, adhering to the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). General Dentists (DDS or DMD) are primary care providers for oral health, focusing on preventative care, diagnosing and treating dental diseases, managing tooth replacement needs, performing oral cancer screenings, and collaborating with primary care physicians to address the connection between oral and overall systemic health. Dr. Barras is committed to providing comprehensive care for all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (512) 333-7777 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Barras's approach to dentistry is deeply rooted in his extensive training and experience. He earned his DDS degree from the University of Texas at Houston. Having honed his skills through various dental settings, including mobile clinics and underserved communities, Dr. Barras brings a wealth of experience and a genuine empathy to his practice. He is passionate in providing the absolute best care for his patients, adhering to each patient's individual concerns and requests, and giving his complete attention to helping patients achieve their ultimate aesthetic smile makeover. Dr. Barras provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Barras is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Barras provides comprehensive general dentistry care, prioritizing preventative measures and early disease detection. He emphasizes clear communication and a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique oral health needs and connect oral health to overall systemic well-being. His practice focuses on managing tooth replacement options and performing oral cancer screenings, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care.
By working together, you and Dr. Barras can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Barras offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Tooth Demineralization: Demineralization weakens your teeth by removing essential minerals, increasing the risk of cavities and sensitivity; your dentist can detect it early and recommend treatments to restore your teeth's strength.
- Misshapen Teeth: If your teeth are not aligned properly, it can cause problems with biting and chewing, and a general dentist can offer options to improve the shape and alignment of your teeth.
- Halitosis: If you're concerned about bad breath (halitosis), your dentist can determine the source, which might be anything from poor oral hygiene to a more serious condition, and provide solutions.
- Gum Disease: Swollen, red, or bleeding gums are signs of gum disease, a serious condition your dentist can detect and treat to help preserve your teeth and overall oral health.
- Impacted Teeth: Impacted teeth, often wisdom teeth, become trapped and don't come in properly, sometimes causing pain or infection, which your dentist can address.
- Cavity: Your dentist diagnoses and treats cavities, which are holes in your teeth caused by bacteria and acids breaking down the enamel.
- Tooth Loss: If you've lost teeth, a general dentist can create a personalized treatment plan to restore your smile and improve your oral function with options such as bridges or dentures.
- Tooth Decay: Your dentist can identify and repair tooth decay, which happens when acid from plaque eats away at your tooth enamel, causing holes and potential infection.
- Dental Disorders: General dentists are trained to identify and manage a variety of dental disorders, ensuring proper oral hygiene and addressing issues like tooth decay or gum disease.
- Excessive Tooth Wear: Excessive tooth wear can lead to dental problems like tooth sensitivity and damage to the underlying dentin, making restorative treatments from your general dentist necessary to maintain your oral health.
- Tooth Damage: Tooth damage includes chips, cracks, or breaks in your teeth, and your general dentist can repair these issues with fillings, crowns, or bonding.
- Sensitive Teeth: Sensitive teeth are teeth that experience sharp pain or discomfort when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, sour, or acidic foods and drinks, and your dentist can help find ways to manage this sensitivity.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Barras offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Extraction of Wisdom Tooth: To prevent infection, damage to nearby teeth, or cysts, a dentist may surgically extract wisdom teeth.
- Dental Sealant: Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities.
- Teeth Scaling: Regular teeth scaling, often combined with polishing, helps maintain fresh breath and a brighter, healthier smile.
- Dental Bridge: This procedure involves attaching artificial teeth to existing teeth or implants, closing the space left by missing teeth.
- Mouthguards: For athletes, a mouthguard is an essential piece of safety equipment to prevent broken or chipped teeth.
- Dental Onlay: A dental onlay is a strong, custom-made filling that covers a larger area of a tooth than a regular filling, protecting and restoring it to its original shape and function.
- Dental X-Ray: To plan your treatment, your dentist might use X-rays to get a detailed view of your teeth's roots, jawbone, and any impacted teeth.
- Scaling and Root Planing: If you have gum disease, scaling and root planing helps remove bacteria and tartar buildup beneath your gums, improving your gum health.
- Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are removable appliances that replace some, but not all, of your missing teeth.
- Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: During an ultrasonic cleaning, your dentist uses a tool that produces vibrations to break up and remove plaque and tartar, leading to healthier gums and teeth.
- Nightguard: A nightguard is a custom-fitted mouthguard worn at night to protect your teeth from grinding or clenching.
- Gum Disease Treatment: Treatment for gum disease aims to stop the progression of gum disease and improve gum health.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Barras is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their tooth demineralization, restoring their teeth's strength and preventing further damage. Their improved oral health led to a significant reduction in sensitivity and discomfort.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, a patient experienced improved chewing comfort and a more confident smile, thanks to the guidance of a general dentist. By addressing their misshapen teeth, the patient now enjoyed better oral function and overall well-being.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
2700 Barton Creek Blvd Ste 1, Austin, TX, 78735
Phone: (512) 333-7777
View on Map
- University of Texas at Houston (Medical School)
- Southwest Texas State University (Undergraduate School)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Barras:
- How is my dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall health, including your heart. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care isn't just about your teeth; it's an essential part of maintaining your overall well-being.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common side effect of many medications. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Barras can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding gums are usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to more serious gum disease if left untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene.
- What can I do about sensitive teeth?
- Sensitivity is often caused by receding gums exposing the tooth root, or by worn-down enamel. Dr. Barras can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, apply fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth that could be causing the sensitivity.
- If I need a root canal, will I have to see a specialist?
- General dentists, like Dr. Barras, can perform many root canals. For more complex cases, such as a difficult-to-reach molar, a referral to an endodontist might be necessary for the best possible outcome. Many root canals can be performed right here in the office by Dr. Barras.
- Are dental implants a good option for replacing missing teeth?
- Dental implants are often an excellent long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They provide a secure foundation for a crown or bridge that looks and feels natural, and can help preserve the jawbone. If you have sufficient jawbone health, implants may be a good option for you.
- What is an oral cancer screening and is it part of my check-up?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless visual inspection of your mouth, lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations. Dr. Barras performs this important part of every routine exam to help detect oral cancer early, which is key to successful treatment.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, jawbone and gum tissue change, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. Dr. Barras can reline existing dentures to reshape them for a better fit, or create a new set if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
2700 Barton Creek Blvd Ste 1
Austin TX 78735
Phone: (512) 333-7777
John Barras, DDS is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1750595013
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. John Barras are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.