General & Preventative Dentistry
- Comprehensive Check Ups / Dental Exams
- Professional Dental Cleanings
- Digital X-Rays and Diagnostic Imaging
- Cavity Prevention: Fillings, Sealants, and Fluoride
- Gum Disease Screening and Treatment
- Scaling and Root Planing
- Laser Dentistry
- Restorative Dentistry: Crowns, Bridges, and Same-Day Crowns
- Root Canal Therapy
- Dental Implants
- Oral Surgery and Extractions
- Sleep Apnea Screening and Treatment
General & Preventive Dentistry in Downtown Denver
If you’ve ever left a dental appointment feeling like something was missed, you’re not alone. Most general dentistry visits follow the same pattern: a cleaning, a quick look around, and a reminder to floss more. At Icon Dental, we do things differently.
We’re a progressive dental practice in the heart of Downtown Denver’s LoDo district, and we believe that general and preventive dentistry should be the foundation of your long-term health, not just a twice-yearly obligation. From your very first visit, we take the time to understand not just your teeth, but the full picture of your oral health and how it connects to the way you feel every day.
If you’re searching for a general dentist in Downtown Denver who will take your health seriously, give you clear answers, and build a plan that actually makes sense, you’ve found the right place. We’re welcoming new patients with 90-minute appointments designed to be the most thorough dental experience you’ve ever had.
The Icon Dental Difference: Dentistry That Looks Further
Most dental practices are built around a straightforward model: identify what’s broken, fix it, and schedule the next cleaning. We respect that model, but we’ve found that this approach often leaves patients with recurring problems, unanswered questions, and a sense that something deeper is being overlooked.
At Icon Dental, a comprehensive dental evaluation goes far beyond teeth and gums. We assess bite alignment, jaw function, TMJ health, airway, and sleep patterns alongside standard oral health indicators, because we know that the health of your mouth is directly connected to the health of your whole body.
Chronic inflammation from untreated gum disease has been linked to systemic health concerns. Jaw tension and bite misalignment can drive headaches and disrupted sleep that patients are often told are simply stress-related. Sleep apnea frequently goes undetected for years because no one has screened for it in a dental setting. We screen for all of it, routinely, as part of how we practice dentistry.
If you’ve accepted pain, poor sleep, or recurring dental problems as simply part of life, it may be time for a second opinion from a team that looks further.
Your 90-Minute New Patient Appointment
Your first visit to Icon Dental is not a standard new patient cleaning. It’s a dedicated 90-minute appointment designed to give us a complete picture of your oral health and give you the clarity of a structured plan going forward.
We begin by listening. Before we look at a single tooth, we want to hear your history, your concerns, and your goals. From there, we conduct a full-mouth evaluation including digital X-rays, an oral cancer screening, a gum health assessment, and a careful evaluation of your bite, jaw alignment, and TMJ function. For patients with concerns about sleep quality or airway health, we incorporate screening for those issues as well.
You won’t leave with a vague “we’ll keep an eye on that.” You’ll leave with a clear picture of your oral health, a personalized treatment plan, and a team you feel comfortable calling your dental home. Patients consistently tell us it’s the most thorough dental appointment they’ve ever had.
General and Preventive Dentistry Services We Offer
Comprehensive care means having access to everything you need under one roof, delivered by a team that understands how each service connects to your long-term health. Below is a full overview of the general and preventive dentistry services we provide at Icon Dental.
Comprehensive Check Ups / Dental Exams
A dental exam at Icon Dental is not a visual sweep and a handshake. Our comprehensive exams evaluate the full health of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, bite alignment, jaw function, soft tissue, and oral cancer risk. Digital X-rays are taken to identify concerns that are not visible during a visual examination, including cavities between teeth, bone loss, and structural issues beneath the surface.
We also assess TMJ function and bite alignment as a standard part of every exam, not as an add-on. Early detection is the foundation of preventive care. When we catch an issue early, treatment is almost always less invasive, less costly, and far easier on you.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Even the most diligent brushing and flossing routine cannot remove all of the plaque and tartar that accumulates over time. Professional dental cleanings performed by our experienced hygiene team remove that buildup thoroughly, protecting your gum health and reducing the low-grade systemic inflammation that untreated oral bacteria can contribute to.
For most patients, we recommend a professional cleaning every six months. Patients who are managing gum disease or have a higher risk of buildup may benefit from more frequent visits, and we will work with you to find the cadence that supports your long-term health most effectively. Our hygienists are known for being thorough, gentle, and genuinely invested in your care.
Digital X-Rays and Imaging
Our digital X-ray system captures clear, detailed diagnostic images with significantly lower radiation exposure than traditional film X-rays. These images allow us to detect cavities between teeth, monitor bone density, identify root concerns, and evaluate structural health with a level of accuracy that a visual exam alone cannot provide.
Because our imaging is digital, we can review your X-rays with you in real time during your appointment. That means you see what we see, and we can explain exactly what we are looking at. Patient education is not an afterthought in our practice. It is built into every step of the diagnostic process.
Cavity Prevention
When a cavity is detected early, treatment is straightforward and conservative. We use tooth-preserving fillings that restore the structure and function of the affected tooth without removing more healthy tissue than necessary.
For patients who want an added layer of protection, dental sealants provide a thin, durable coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where decay most commonly begins. Sealants are available for both children and adults and can be a simple, effective way to prevent cavities from forming in the first place. Fluoride treatments further strengthen enamel and help teeth resist the acid attacks that lead to decay over time. Our philosophy here, as with everything we do, is to intervene early and thoughtfully rather than wait for problems to deepen.
Gum Disease Screening & Treatment
Your gum health is the foundation of your oral health, and it is connected to your whole-body health in ways that are often underestimated. Gum disease has been linked to chronic systemic inflammation, and research continues to explore its relationship with cardiovascular health, blood sugar regulation, and other long-term health outcomes.
At every exam, we screen carefully for early signs of periodontal disease, including gum recession, pocket depth changes, and bone loss. Catching gum disease in its earliest stage, known as gingivitis, gives us the opportunity to address it before it progresses to more advanced periodontitis.
Scaling and Root Planing
When gum disease has moved beyond the early stage and standard cleaning is no longer sufficient, scaling and root planing is the most effective non-surgical intervention available. This deep-cleaning procedure goes below the gumline to remove the hardened plaque and tartar deposits that have accumulated on root surfaces, deposits that a routine cleaning simply cannot reach.
By clearing those bacterial deposits and smoothing the root surfaces, we give your gum tissue the environment it needs to heal and reattach properly. Most patients complete treatment over one or two appointments, typically with local anesthetic to keep the process comfortable throughout. Consistent with our root-cause philosophy, scaling and root planing is not simply a reactive procedure. It is a targeted intervention that addresses the underlying bacterial environment driving gum disease, giving your oral health a genuine reset rather than a temporary fix.
Laser Dentistry
Our laser dentistry technology allows us to perform a range of soft tissue procedures with greater precision and significantly less discomfort than traditional methods. Laser treatment supports bacterial reduction, helps treat gum tissue concerns, and promotes faster healing with minimal post-procedure sensitivity.
For patients who experience anxiety around dental procedures or have had difficult experiences in the past, laser dentistry is one of the tools that makes care at Icon Dental feel genuinely different. Less discomfort, faster recovery, and a gentler overall experience are outcomes we pursue with every technological investment we make. Learn more on our laser dentistry page.
Restorative Dentistry
When a tooth is damaged, decayed, or structurally compromised, timely restoration is essential to prevent the problem from spreading and to preserve the function of surrounding teeth. At Icon Dental, we offer porcelain crowns, bridges, and our signature same-day crown service using CEREC technology.
With CEREC, we design, mill, and place a custom porcelain crown in a single appointment. There is no temporary crown to manage, no second visit to schedule, and no prolonged period of sensitivity while you wait. We take a digital scan of your tooth, generate a precise 3D model, and deliver a finished restoration that fits beautifully and functions immediately. For patients with busy schedules, same-day crown technology is one of the most practical conveniences modern dentistry offers. Learn more on our same-day crowns page.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy has a reputation that no longer reflects the reality of modern dental care. When infection reaches the root of a tooth, treatment is focused on two goals: relieving your pain and saving your natural tooth. With today’s techniques and our commitment to patient comfort, root canal therapy is a manageable, targeted procedure that most patients find far less difficult than they anticipated.
Preserving your natural tooth is always our first priority. Extraction is a last resort, and we will always explore every option to keep your smile intact before recommending removal.
Dental Implants
For patients who have experienced tooth loss, dental implants are the most durable, natural-looking, and functionally effective solution available. Unlike bridges or traditional dentures, implants integrate directly with the jawbone, preserving bone density and supporting the long-term health of surrounding teeth.
An implant is a permanent solution designed to last a lifetime with proper care. We will walk you through exactly what the process involves, what to expect at each stage, and how implants compare to other options so you can make a fully informed decision. Learn more on our dental implants page.
Oral Surgery and Extractions
When a tooth cannot be saved, extraction is performed with precision, care, and a genuine focus on your comfort. Our team takes the time to ensure you are fully at ease before, during, and after the procedure, and we provide clear aftercare guidance so your recovery is as smooth as possible.
Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common preventive procedures we perform, often recommended before problems develop rather than in response to pain or infection. As with all of our care, the goal is to stay ahead of issues rather than react to them.
Sleep Apnea Screening & Treatment
Nearly 54 million American adults live with obstructive sleep apnea, and a significant number of them do not know it. Symptoms like chronic fatigue, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and disrupted sleep are often attributed to stress or lifestyle rather than an airway issue that is both identifiable and treatable.
What many patients do not realize is that a comprehensive dental evaluation is one of the most effective places to begin screening for sleep apnea. The structure of your jaw, the position of your tongue, and the alignment of your airway are all visible to a trained dental provider, and at Icon Dental, we ask the right questions at every visit. For patients who qualify, oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable, non-invasive alternative to CPAP that many find significantly easier to use consistently. If you are tired of being tired, a comprehensive evaluation at Icon Dental may be the starting point you have been looking for. Learn more on our sleep dentistry page.
Advanced Technology, Built for Better Care
When Icon Dental was founded, the commitment was clear from the beginning: patients deserve access to the most advanced tools available, and we would never be the kind of practice that falls behind. That commitment drives every technology investment we make.
We don’t invest in technology for its own sake. We invest in it because it leads to better diagnoses, more comfortable procedures, and outcomes that our patients can see and feel.
Digital X-Rays
Our digital imaging system delivers high-clarity diagnostic images with significantly reduced radiation exposure. Results are immediate, allowing us to review findings with you in real time during your appointment.
Laser Dentistry
Precise, gentle, and effective for soft tissue treatments and bacterial reduction. Less discomfort and faster healing are the patient-facing benefits of this technology.
CEREC Same-Day Crowns
From digital scan to finished crown in a single visit. No temporaries, no second appointments, no waiting.
3D Digital Scanning
Used in Invisalign and orthodontic treatment planning, our 3D scanner eliminates the need for traditional impressions entirely. The process is quick, comfortable, and highly precise.
Every piece of technology in our office serves the same purpose: to give you a more accurate diagnosis, a more comfortable experience, and a better long-term outcome.
Meet Your Downtown Denver Dental Team
Dr. Nazeli Tarjan, DDS
Dr. Nazeli Tarjan, DDS is the owner and lead dentist at Icon Dental. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a background that shapes the way she listens to and communicates with every patient. Recognized as a Top Dentist by 5280 Magazine and a Healthgrades Compassionate Dentist, Dr. Tarjan takes the time to hear you out, explain what she finds, and ensure you leave with complete clarity about your care.
Dr. Brandon Nguyen, DDS
Dr. Brandon Nguyen, DDS earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Approachable, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to patient comfort, Dr. Nguyen stays at the forefront of dental advancements to ensure every patient receives the most current care available.
Together with our experienced hygiene team and support staff, they lead a practice where every member is genuinely invested in your health and your experience.
Experience General Dentistry Done Differently
Your oral health is not a separate category from your overall health. It’s connected to the way you sleep, the way you feel, and the quality of your life in ways that a standard cleaning and checkout simply cannot address.
At Icon Dental, general and preventive dentistry is the starting point for something more complete. It’s the foundation of a long-term health plan built around you, your goals, and the full picture of what is happening in your body, not just your mouth.
We are located in the heart of Downtown Denver’s LoDo district, and we would genuinely love to meet you. Your 90-minute new patient appointment is the first step, and it’s designed to be unlike any dental visit you have had before.
Schedule your new patient appointment online or call us at (720) 645-2153. We look forward to taking care of you.
A little care today means a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions About General Dentistry in Denver
Our comprehensive exam goes well beyond a standard checkup. It includes a full-mouth evaluation of your teeth, gums, and soft tissue, digital X-rays, an oral cancer screening, and a careful assessment of your bite alignment and TMJ function. For patients with relevant concerns, we also incorporate airway and sleep screening. You will leave with a clear picture of your oral health and a personalized treatment plan that explains exactly what we recommend and why.
For most patients, we recommend a professional cleaning every six months. However, patients who are managing gum disease, have a higher rate of tartar buildup, or are working through an active treatment plan may benefit from more frequent visits. We will make a specific recommendation based on your individual oral health needs at your first appointment.
The most meaningful difference is how we think about dentistry. Most practices identify a problem and fix it. We do that too, but we also spend significant time understanding why the problem developed in the first place, so we can help prevent it from coming back. We evaluate bite alignment, TMJ function, airway, and sleep health as part of our standard comprehensive exam, which most practices do not do. We also dedicate 90 minutes to every new patient visit, because we believe your health deserves more than a rushed appointment.
Yes. We are actively welcoming new patients from Downtown Denver, LoDo, and across the greater Denver metro area. New patients receive a dedicated 90-minute appointment so we have the time to get to know you, conduct a thorough evaluation, and develop a care plan that fits your needs. You can schedule online or call us directly at (720) 645-2153.
Yes, and it is something we do routinely at Icon Dental. The structure of your jaw, tongue position, and airway alignment are all visible during a dental evaluation, and they are key indicators of sleep apnea risk. We ask about sleep quality, fatigue, and breathing patterns at every comprehensive exam. For patients who screen positive, we can discuss oral appliance therapy as a comfortable, effective option, and we coordinate with sleep medicine specialists when a formal diagnosis is needed.
Early gum disease, known as gingivitis, often presents with red, swollen, or tender gums that bleed during brushing or flossing. Many patients notice these signs and assume they are brushing too hard or that it is normal. It is not. Caught early, gingivitis is highly treatable and often reversible with professional care and improved home hygiene. Left unaddressed, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that affects the bone and tissue supporting your teeth. Regular exams allow us to detect and address gum disease before it reaches that stage.
This is a question we hear often, and it is an important one. Jaw tension, facial pain, chronic headaches, and even migraines can all be connected to bite misalignment, TMJ dysfunction, or nighttime clenching and grinding. Many patients have lived with these symptoms for years without anyone investigating a dental cause. At Icon Dental, TMJ and bite assessment are part of our standard comprehensive exam. If we identify a connection, we will explain it clearly and discuss your options, which may include bite adjustment, a custom oral appliance, or therapeutic Botox for clenching-related pain.
Absolutely, and this is one of the most important things we can share with our patients. Many of the most serious dental and oral health conditions, including early gum disease, cavities between teeth, oral cancer, and sleep apnea, develop without any pain in their early stages. By the time something hurts, the problem has usually progressed significantly. Preventive care is about catching those issues when they are small, treatable, and far less disruptive to your health and your schedule.
Your first visit is a 90-minute comprehensive appointment. We start by listening to you, your history, your concerns, and your goals. From there, we conduct a full evaluation that includes digital X-rays, an oral cancer screening, a gum health assessment, and a bite and TMJ evaluation. We will walk you through everything we find in plain language and present a personalized treatment plan before you leave. There is no pressure and no rush. Our goal is simply to give you the clearest possible picture of your oral health and a team you feel confident coming back to.
Icon Dental is located at 1425 Market St., Suite 100, in the LoDo neighborhood of Downtown Denver, just steps from Larimer Square and a short walk from the 16th Street Mall Ride shuttle. We are easy to reach by public transit or on foot for patients who live or work in the downtown area. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. You can book your appointment online or reach us by phone at (720) 645-2153.