Teeth Cleanings & Exams | Fort Collins, CO
Your regular dental cleanings and comprehensive exams are a key part of your overall oral health. Here at Northern Colorado Dental Specialty and Implant Center, our prosthodontic specialists combine advanced training and professional care to bring you the best in preventive care.
Our specialists, led by Dr. Justin Liddle, provide thorough evaluations that help you maintain a healthy smile while catching potential issues early – saving you time, discomfort, and expense down the road.
Schedule Consultation Why Regular Dental Cleanings Matter
Did you know that professional dental cleanings are one of the most important appointments you’ll make this year?
Your oral health is directly connected to your overall well-being. Even with excellent home care, bacterial deposits can build up in those hard-to-reach areas. If left untreated, this buildup can quickly lead to gum inflammation, periodontal disease, and, potentially, tooth loss. Regular cleanings interrupt this progression, keeping your gums healthy and your teeth firmly rooted.
Cleanings aren’t just about preventative health – they’re also one of the best ways to ensure a strong, healthy smile that you’ll be proud to show off!
As your hygienist polishes away surface stains, you’ll find that your smile stays brighter longer. Plus, a smooth, clean tooth surface resists future plaque accumulation.
With consistent cleanings, you’ll enjoy a ripple effect on your entire well-being. Preventing periodontal disease through regular cleanings has been shown to reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic health issues.
Schedule ConsultationSchedule an Appointment Now
Your healthiest smile starts with regular cleanings and personalized care. Whether it’s your first visit or a routine appointment, our friendly dental team is here to make your experience comfortable and stress-free.
Schedule NowOur 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.
Real Results, Real Smiles
Our Patients Say It Best
How Often Should You Visit the Dentist for Cleanings & Exams?
The general recommendation calls for dental cleanings and exams every six months.
A twice-yearly schedule creates a consistent visit protocol that allows us to remove plaque and tartar before they cause significant damage, while catching developing problems when they're small and easily addressed.
Most patients maintain excellent oral health with biannual visits, but individual needs may vary based on risk factors. Patients with a history of gum disease, those who develop cavities easily, or anyone with certain systemic health conditions may benefit from more frequent visits.
Those who maintain consistent, excellent oral health with low risk factors may be able to extend their visits to slightly longer intervals, though six months remains our preferred standard.
We believe that consistency matters more than perfect timing. Whether you visit every six months or follow a modified schedule, maintaining regular appointments prevents small issues from becoming major problems!
How Can We Help?
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're exploring treatment options like dentures or dental implants, looking to brighten your smile, or curious about the latest technology in dental care, this FAQ section is here to help. Learn why choosing a prosthodontist—an expert in the restoration and replacement of teeth—can make a difference in your treatment experience and results. Dive into answers about procedures, benefits, and innovations that can guide you toward a healthier, more confident smile.
More FAQsWhat to Expect During Your Dental Exam
When you schedule a comprehensive dental exam at our Fort Collins office, our caring and compassionate team goes far beyond just a quick glance.
Our prosthodontic specialists conduct thorough evaluations to identify issues at their earliest, most treatable stages.
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Thorough Cleaning Process
Your appointment begins with our skilled hygienist explaining exactly what to expect throughout the visit.
They’ll begin by removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces, paying special attention to areas below the gumline where bacteria accumulate. Using specialized instruments, we scale away hardened deposits and then polish your teeth to a smooth finish.
Our polishing technique not only brightens your smile but also creates a surface that resists bacterial colonization. We finish every cleaning by flossing between every tooth and, if necessary, applying a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel against future decay.
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Comprehensive Oral Examination
We believe in more than just cleanings. After your cleaning, Dr. Liddle or one of our experienced prosthodontists will examine and talk you through every aspect of your oral health.
We check each tooth for signs of potential problems – including decay, cracks, or wear patterns that might indicate teeth grinding. Your gums are carefully evaluated for signs of periodontal disease, including pocket depth measurements to assess gum attachment.
We also examine existing dental work (such as fillings, crowns, and bridges) to make sure everything remains secure and functional. Soft-tissue screening checks your tongue, cheeks, throat, and other oral tissues for abnormalities.
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Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Our commitment to comprehensive care includes digital X-rays that provide detailed images while exposing you to minimal radiation.
These diagnostic images can help reveal any potential issues that may be invisible during visual examination. Our specialists look for potential warning signs, such as decay between teeth, bone loss, impacted teeth, or infections of the tooth roots.
We can also assess your bite alignment and jaw joint function, as improper bite relationships – which can lead to TMJ disorders, excessive tooth wear, and chronic headaches.
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Personalized Treatment Planning
Every patient is unique – and so is their treatment plan!
After your examination, we’ll discuss our findings in detail. We’ll explain any concerns in clear terms that you can understand, as well as our plan for helping you maintain your overall oral health.
If we identify issues that need attention, we’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. Our approach emphasizes conservative treatment, meaning we recommend only what truly benefits your oral health, never pushing unnecessary procedures.
Our goal? That you leave every appointment with confidence, knowing your oral health status and the path forward.
Why Choose Northern Colorado Dental Specialty
When you need a beautiful new smile, the Fort Collins Dental Implants team is the right choice! We are the premier choice for dental implants in Fort Collins and we would be honored to serve your dental implant needs. Some of the reasons you should choose us:
- Beautiful Smile in as little as 24 hours
- Personalized Implants for you
- Award-Winning Doctors
- Over 20 years of experience
- Thousands of Happy Dental Implant Clients
- On-Site Lab for the Perfect Fit, Shape and Color
- Third-Party Financing and flexible payment plans
Healthy Smiles Start Here!
Exceptional care tailored to you. Cutting-edge technology. Supreme comfort. We're transforming dental experiences in the Fort Collins area with pioneering treatments, always prioritizing our patients. Now is the perfect moment to begin crafting your ideal smile. Get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step.
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