Doctor's Blog

Missing teeth pose a number of oral health risks. Empty sockets are more prone to infection, and the general impact on speaking, eating, and self-confidence can be a constant problem. If you want a proven solution, dental implants can help restore your smile.

Proper teeth cleaning is a must to ensure a bright and healthy smile. Along with brushing and visiting your dentist at least twice a year, you must also make sure you’re reaching the area between your teeth. Much like chewing surfaces, these areas are also subject to cavities when neglected.

It’s natural to want a smile that lights up a room. However, the strips or gels available at the grocery store or pharmacy are not always reliable methods of getting even, white teeth.

If your child has watched too many TV shows or movies that describe the dentist as someone frightening, it can be difficult to get them to the appointment and into the chair. Fortunately, there are ways that you can ease their concerns. The guide below offers advice for making the experience more comfortable for them.

Modern dentistry provides cutting-edge solutions for all kinds of oral health care conundrums. Have a cavity? Ask your dentist for a filling. Chipped a tooth? Veneers are the answer. Although it’s wonderful to have solutions for such problems, ideally you will avoid them altogether. Find out how.

Even if you brush and floss diligently, there’s no fresher feeling than getting a professional dental cleaning. Dentists and hygienists clean in places that a toothbrush and floss just can’t reach. They have the tools and expertise to remove plaque and tartar that you might have missed. That being said, the guide below will help you extend the “fresh from the dentist” sensation as long as possible.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral known for supporting a healthy smile. You have probably seen it advertised on toothpastes or mouthwashes recommended by your dentist. Applied in small doses as part of a regular teeth cleaning routine, it has been shown to combat decay. Find out how it strengthens your smile below.

If you love seeing your kids smile, the best way to keep their pearly whites shining is to instill dental hygiene best practices in them when they are young. Along with your dentist, monitor their teeth to make sure they are properly taken care of and offer gentle corrections. The guide below gives tips for inspiring your son or daughter to watch out for their own oral health.

Visit our office during the month of November and participate in the Gratitude tree project. What is the Gratitude tree project? It is an annual project during the month of November, where you create a dedicated space (a tree) to encourage the habit of practicing gratitude and welcome in the season of thanksgiving. The project is open to all! We have the supplies, just take a moment to write down something that you are thankful for and hang it on our indoor tree.

Deb is a joy to work with and has been a wonderful addition to the team at Steckelberg Dental. Deb grew up in Northeast Nebraska, not too far away from Dr. Steckelberg’s hometown. However, Deb and Dr. Steckelberg did not meet until about 10 years ago. They worked together at a public health clinic and at school dental screenings.

Kelli is caring and passionate. She will go above and beyond to help Dr. Steckelberg and our patients. Kelli has been a joy to work with these past two years and she enjoys teasing Dr. Steckelberg from time to time (totally awesome!). Her personal motto is, “Kelli, you got this!” One person that Kelli admires is her sister, a strong woman who is inspiring with her faith and positivity.

Meet Lexi, our Dental Assistant!

Lexi is compassionate, determined and empathetic! Lexi has a passion for dentistry and her personality brightens up the office. She grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska and going to be a wonderful dentist in just a few years. Lexi starts dental school this August at UNMC College of Dentistry here in Lincoln. Her typical day, outside of Steckelberg Dental, includes studying, working out, eating and Netflix. One big goal that she has for the next year is to just make it through D1 year of dental school. (She is going to do great, says Dr. Steckelberg!)

Summer always feels like the fastest and busiest season to me.  In 2018, LPS has eleven weeks of summer break.  While children are having trouble containing their excitement, almost all of us are happy that winter is over.  It felt like a really long winter this year.  So, it is time to embrace the warmer weather and get outside.  But just how are we going to make this summer memorable?  If you are looking for ideas, Dr. Steckelberg has compiled a list of summertime activities to help inspire you.  We hope that you can make this summer the best one yet! 

There are just over 8 weeks until school’s out for summer break. Most summer camp priority registration has already happened!! You see more runners out training for the Lincoln Marathon. I guess that it is time to start stocking up on bubbles and sidewalk chalk…. And to schedule your summer dental appointment.

Hooray! It is Spring! The promise of warmer days brings a big smile to my face. Recently, I finished some spring cleaning at the office. And I repeatedly wondered, “why on earth did I keep this?” Often, I was speaking this out-loud while throwing out another sample product that I will never use.

In Celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday Dr. Steckelberg wanted to read her favorite Dr. Seuss book to you, it’s The Tooth Book!

One great way to help your child feel comfortable at our office, is to “play dentist” at home. When you brush your child’s teeth, some great things to say are: “now I am going to pretend to be the dentist. I am brushing your teeth, (you can sing a little song, if you like). Let me practice my counting… 1, 2, 3, 4…. Your teeth are so sparkly clean. Good job! Now it is your turn to brush. Let’s work on brushing in little circles.” Feel free to ask Dr. Steckelberg for pointers at your next visit.

We would like to wish you and yours Happy Holidays and a very Blessed 2018!

Have you heard about “same day” dental implants? Within certain healthy conditions, dental implants are placed and restored temporarily on the same day. However, that dental implant takes time to heal with bone all around it (osseointegration.) Until the bone has grown right up to the implant surface, we cannot put a full load on that tooth. So, as we find in many things in life, the “same day” advertisement does not tell you the whole story. Yes, the temporary implant crown is in place on the day of the surgery. However, the temporary crown needs to be shorter and thinner than what the permanent crown will be. The patient needs to cut all their food into small pieces with a knife and fork and avoid biting into anything with leveraging forces. This means no biting into an apple or sandwich until the healing period is complete. After completion of that 3-6 month healing time, you are able to function on your new implant crown just like a regular tooth. A little waiting and care is vital to long-term success.

As the seasons change, there is evidence all around us. Fallen leaves with beautiful colors accompany the dropping temperatures. We have to reach for our jacket to lessen the morning chill. Have you ever noticed tooth sensitivity as the seasons change? It is a common issue.

The holidays are approaching and for many of us that means upcoming photo opportunities. If you are like me, that has me looking at what I can do to improve my appearance. Spending a little more time in the gym, maybe a little hair color to cover some grays, and brightening my smile.

You have taken your child to see their physician, but what age is appropriate for your child to see the dentist? Your child should see Dr. Steckelberg by their first birthday. But, do they even have enough teeth at that age to make it worthwhile?  The short answer is, yes, absolutely!

Our office wil be closed Monday August 21, 2017 in order to observer the once -in-a-lifetime solar eclipse.