General Dentistry

Our Specialty Dentists

Justin Liddle, DMD, CDT, Prosthodontist

Dr. Liddle is a distinguished prosthodontist who earned his doctorate from Case Western Reserve University and completed a three-year Prosthodontic Residency at Louisiana State University Health Science Center. Internationally trained in dental esthetics and implant dentistry, he was awarded 1st Place in the Nobel Biocare Student Case Presentation Award. As one of the few prosthodontists serving Northern Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska, Dr. Liddle is also a respected educator, leading advanced courses on implant dentistry techniques.

Kirk Harvey, DMD

Dr. Kirk Harvey earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Arizona, where he was honored with the prestigious Hanau Excellence in Prosthodontics Award for his outstanding clinical skills.

Meet the Team

What Is General Dentistry?

General dentistry includes all of the preventive and routine care that helps keep your smile healthy between specialty treatments. We like to think of it as the “first line of defense” against the most common oral health issues – such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth deterioration.

At our Fort Collins practice, general dentistry services include:

• Professional teeth cleanings: Our team removes persistent plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t address
• Comprehensive oral exams: We complete a full evaluation of your teeth, gums, and soft tissues
• Digital X-rays: We use advanced imaging to detect issues invisible to the naked eye
• Polishing: Our specialists can smooth out and brighten your enamel while removing surface stains
• Fluoride treatments: Our specialty fluoride treatments protect your teeth against future decay
• Personalized oral hygiene guidance: Every visit includes expert tips from our team of dental specialists
• Dental fillings: We restore cavities using durable, natural-looking materials to protect your tooth and prevent further decay.
• Root canals: Our team removes infected tissue to relieve pain and save your natural tooth.
• TMJ treatment: We diagnose and treat jaw joint disorders to reduce pain, tension, and bite-related issues.

We’re not just committed to the basics – we go further! You’ll benefit from our hygienists and our prosthodontic specialists, so that every aspect of your oral health is treated and maintained.

Why Regular Dental Visits Matter

Did you know that many of the most serious dental problems develop without obvious symptoms? Problems such as cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer can progress silently without you noticing the symptoms.

How can you prevent these problems? With consistent, routine dental care. Here’s why you should add routine general dental care to your calendar every year:

You’ll Prevent Problems Before They Start

Professional cleanings go further than brushing. Dental cleanings can remove the plaque and tartar buildup that leads to cavities and gum disease. Our hygienists use specialized tools to clean every surface thoroughly, helping you avoid preventable problems.

Our Specialists Can Catch Issues Early

Early detection can mean all the difference between a simple filling and a root canal. During your exam, we check for signs of decay, gum problems, oral cancer, and other potential issues that are easiest to treat when caught early.

You’ll Better Protect Your Overall Health

Did you know that your oral health is directly connected to your overall health? It’s true – research continues to link gum disease to common health issues such as heart disease, diabetes complications, and more. Routine general dentistry is an investment in your whole-body health.

You’ll Save Time and Money

Many avoid preventative dental care out of fear of the cost. But routine dental care is almost always less expensive (and far less invasive) than treating severe problems after they've progressed. A routine cleaning costs a fraction of what you'd spend on a crown or extraction.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Are you wondering what to expect during a general dentistry visit? While each visit is personalized to each patient, here’s what you can typically expect when you visit our Fort Collins office.

A Thorough Review of Your Health History

Every appointment begins with a review of your medical and dental history. Our goal? To fully understand any conditions or concerns that might be impacting your oral health or potential treatments. We’ll also discuss any concerns you may have, as well as what to expect from your visit.

Digital X-Rays (If Needed)

Depending on your needs and how long it's been since your last imaging, we may take digital X-rays. These X-ray images provide us with a detailed view of what’s going on under the surface, such as any tooth decay, bone loss, or other issues. The radiation exposure is minimal, and your safety is our top priority!

Professional Cleaning

Our skilled hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth – and you’ll love how quickly and how comfortably the process is! This cleaning will remove plaque and tartar from all surfaces, including those hard-to-reach areas below the gumline.

After scaling, we polish your teeth to a smooth, bright finish that protects against further buildup. We'll finish with flossing between every tooth and, if appropriate, apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel.

Comprehensive Oral Exam

Dr. Liddle or one of our experienced clinicians will meet with you and examine your entire mouth. During an exam, we’ll check each tooth for signs of decay, wear, or damage. We'll also evaluate your gums for signs of periodontal disease and screen for oral cancer and other soft tissue abnormalities.

This is also a great time to discuss any concerns you've noticed—sensitivity, discomfort, cosmetic goals, or questions about your oral health.

Personalized Recommendations

Every visit is wrapped up with personalized recommendations for keeping your smile fresh and healthy. If we identify anything that may need attention during the exam, we’ll discuss the details, as well as the recommended options and next steps.

How Often Should You Visit?

For most patients, we recommend dental cleanings and exams every six months.

A twice-yearly schedule is best, as this allows our team to consistently clean and remove any buildup before damage occurs. It also helps us catch any developing problems while they’re small and manageable!

Consistency matters more than perfect timing. Some patients may benefit from more frequent visits. If you have a history of gum disease, develop cavities easily, or have certain health conditions, we may recommend cleanings every three to four months.

Not sure? Give us a call or schedule a consultation! We'll work with you to create a schedule that fits your needs.