Lewis Specker Jr, DDS

I went here because it was close to my work but it turned out to be a horrible experience.
The cleaning went ok but i needed a filling and the brainiac dentist decided i need my teeth planned for a better bite. I went along with until he started grinding my perfectly straight front teeth. He ruined my straight line.
After that nightmare I went to another dentist who thought the practice was medieval.
When I challenged the charges I found out from the insurance co that that was a way for the dentist to run up charges.
Needless to say I would not recommend this dentist to anyone even if it was the last dentist on earth and you were writhing in pain.

Dr. Specker = thorough, gentle, awesome bedside manner
Wanda = extremely professional while being wonderfully compassionate
Office = organized with amazing views

I don’t have personal experience of this place (i.e. I am not talking about MY mouth) but I CAN testify to the kindness, generosity and skill of Dr. Specker. He recently extracted two teeth of a neighbor of mine. She is 93, had two rotten molars and could not afford to pay the going rate. Dr. Specker stepped right up. Not only did he do this work at rock bottom cost to her, he did it well. She had little pain and made a complete recovery within less than 24 hours. He followed up with phone calls to check that she was doing well.
I call this dentistry with heart. Thank you, Dr. Specker.

When I first started seeing Dr. Specker I was pleased. He is a friendly guy and seemed to know what he was doing. I even took my young daughter there.
Then he performed two root canals on me and both of them left me with pain that lasted for months and permanent sensitivity (3 years later.) Recently the filling of one of these root canals came out, leaving an exposed and empty tooth. Dr. Specker’s office staff told me that it would be $ 450 (at least) to get it filled back in. I declined to have it re-​filled by this office. I find it insane that someone who has caused me permanent injury and who can’t make a filling that lasts more than 3 years would expect me to pay this kind of money to fix something that should have lasted at least 10 years in the first place.
Also the office staff informed me that my account was «in collection.» Funny story there. For almost two years I would get invoices from Specker’s office that would say «AMOUNT DUE $ 0.00.» It was really funny. So finally I called them and asked «do I owe you money because you keep sending me invoices with a zero balance.» I was told that yes, I owed a few hundred dollars. I asked them to send me an invoice with an actual amount — which they never did, they just kept sending me the $ 0.00 ones. Then they sent it to a collection agency without ever actually sending me an invoice with an amount due on it! I immediately called the collection agency and paid the balance in full.
Oh and he constantly tried to get me to buy invisalign and I have perfectly straight teeth. I’ve never needed ortho work. I suspect a kick-​back arrangement there.
The moral of the story is that there is nothing professional about this office. The staff can’t maintain proper billing and the dentist can’t make a filling last more than 3 years. There are plenty of dentists in San Francisco — skip this one.

I don’t know if I’d go so far as to call Dr. Specker an «ass», but Unilocalers Michelle and Katelin hit very close to the mark. Maybe «bag of hot air» would be a kinder term. He claims to be a TMJ expert, but he created TMJ pain when I had no problem before. Even worse, he totally overlooked a huge cavity. Maybe he should have spent less time talking about how brilliant he is and more time looking at my teeth. And, don’t get me started on billing problems! Wanda and Gail are solicitous and professional, so I added a star for each of them.

Stay far far far away from this place if you can. I went here for a dental issue I had and left with even more issues then I had before I came. This office gives me a headache.

If you are looking for a dental office that offers fast, efficient and a completely PAINFREE experience, Dr. Specker is the only doctor you should go to. He is, without a doubt, the gentlest dentist I have ever been to and his staff is very professional. He is the absolute best and I highly recommend him for all of your dental needs.

I had my 6 month dental cleaning and follow up today (March 6^th), and per usual all the staff were attentive and very personal. Kudos goes to my dental hygienist (Gail) and to Jane (office staff manager) and Dr. Anna Dneprov, whom attended to my chipped/​broken molar. I always have a great experience with these folks and it’s never a stressful situation or cause for worry when I have an appointment with these folks.

When I got some dental work from Dr. Lewis speckler he is a nice guy, his work is good. My problem is with his billing dept.
Back in I think 2007, I had some work done, first I was quoted a fee, but once I got the bill, it was much more. Now that might have been from my insurance, but if I would have know, I would have waited to save the money up.
Once I got the bill, I started paying it off, it was a slow process, but I was paying on it.
Then one day I did not receive a bill form in the mail. I called Speckler s office, and was told the bill was written off.
Now in 2012, I find on my credit report, they have posted this bill, that I as told was written off! I never received any information about this bill after my last phone conversation to Speckler s office, back in 2008.
Tried calling, talked to someone in billing named Jane,(had a heated discussion), who did not believe what I had to say. I said if I would have know about it all these years, I would have paid it off.
Also why is it now being put to creditors, when no one ever contacted me about it. I t was not on last years credit report!
When trying to contact them again, to see about paying them not the creditors, they did not return my calls, just found out by the bill collection agency, that they think I am harassing them, when I just wanted them to contact me and email me a copy of the last bill. Is it harassment when you just want to deal with and pay the bill?
I am really frustrated by there lack of communication and professionalism.

Dr. Specker is the best dentist in the City and one of if not the best in Northern California. My father-​in-​law taught dentistry at UCSF, had his own practice at 450 Sutter, and served on the Board of Dental Examiners. He was also President of the UCSF Dental Alumni. He recommended Dr. Specker when he retired. He had the opportunity to work with Dr. Specker over the years and said that his work was top tier in quality.
Dr. Specker has now been my dentist for over 15+ years. He did my crowns — beautiful work. His staff is friendly and extremely professional. His staff has been excellent about working with my insurance company to make sure that I get the max out of my coverage without paying out of pocket.
Dr. Specker stays up to date with the cutting edge in the field. I had a checkup and had my teeth cleaned today. New utlrasonic scaler — uses water. No more scraping the tarter off your teeth! Last visit, they did full-​mouth x-​rays for me right there in the office. No more getting sent elsewhere for this service.
Dr. Specker is an outstanding medical professional in the broader sense. He doesn’t offer treatment without figuring out the source of the problem. He seeks to take care of the underlying problem, not just the symptoms. Many lesser dentists would just put in a filling or crown, which would fail 5 to 10 years later because the underlying problem was not addressed. This is especially important if you have periodontal issues, need an implant, or crowns, etc. Dr. Specker is THE GUY to see.
I’ve got to think that the reviewers who complained about insurance issues are frustrated with their insurance companies and taking it out on Dr., Specker. God knows medical and dental insurance companies are frustrating. But I have always found Dr. Specker’s office to be ready to work with me to resolve any issues.

All I can say is to run far away from this office. Dr. Specker was a nice enough guy but his staff is atrocious. They said they accepted my insurance but then never filed claims after I provided my info multiple times. I spoke with my insurer who has Dr. Specker in network but no record of the office filing a claim. Now Dr. Specker’s office wants me to pay out of pocket and figure it out with my insurance directly. Nothing but a hassle and bait switch. Run!

Dr. Specker is great – I have been to many dentists in my life, and he’s the best, hands-​down. I’ve recently had issues with headaches and some TMJ, and he’s an expert at both making/​fitting hard acrylic appliances to keep you from grinding your teeth. Frankly, it’s amazing how five minutes of him deftly grinding your teeth down can make your bite completely even, which can relieve issues of clenching and grinding and pain. Seriously, he makes my prior dentists look like chumps – why can’t all dentists know how to fix your bite in this manner?!?
Great staff, incredible views, VERY modern equipment/​technology – hi-​res cameras, xrays without getting out of the chair – all the latest and greatest stuff. Every cavity I’ve ever had filled elsewhere caused pain afterwards, and sensitivity to hot/​cold. Not with Dr. Specker, had five old silver cavities that needed to be replaced (ie starting to fail), and had them all done at once – zero pain afterwards – I was sipping margaritas on the rocks and crunching ice the same night! The next day I forgot I had even had the cavities done. I rarely do Unilocal reviews, but Dr. Specker is so good he deserves it, thanks!!!

I might be the only person out there who looks forward to going to the dentist. I owe that all to the staff here and Dr. Specker. They are very warm and inviting, especially Wanda. I can call her to check on an appointment giving only my first name, and she’ll know it’s me. That’s even better than the people at Starbucks a block away from work!
Contrary to the other reviews, Dr. Specker is a friendly and nice guy (more noticeably after you’ve had a few visits with him). He shows a genuine concern for your teeth and jaw. I found out my very first visit that I suffered from bruxism/​TMJ and he was very quick to fix my bite. By far the best dentist I’ve ever had!

It all started about a month ago. I was waking up with mild headaches that would get worse as the day wore on. Then the pain started spreading down the left side of my face and into my neck. Needless to say, it was cramping my typically happy-​go-​lucky personality and turning me into a raging bitch. My husband made a cursory diagnosis of TMJ and I promptly searched for TMJ in that helpful little Unilocal field at the top of the page. Dr. Specker came up. They got me in that very same day and Dr. Specker informed me that I have been living with a misaligned bite for the past 31 years. You could tell he knew how to fix the problem with his eyes closed and made me feel assured that I would not have to live out the rest of my days as the aforementioned raging bitch (not in those words, per se). He was able to get my jaw aligned, taught me some physical therapy moves for my jaw, and continued to tweak my bite over the next several weeks until it was just right. Yesterday was my final visit and I have been pain free for nearly a month! He is a super nice guy and the staff there is amazing. Just genuinely nice people. Unfortunately, my bunk dental insurance didn’t cover this work, but it was worth every out-​of-​pocket penny. I am sure I could’ve gone to another dentist under my dental plan to try to get this fixed, but I think it’s more important that it is done right. If you think you might have TMJ, need a routine dental cleaning, or just want to be around some nice people, visit Dr. Specker’s office. You will thank me later. Just note that I prefer my thank yous to come in monetary format.

I’ve only been a patient of Dr. Specker for a couple of months, but he has already helped me with TMJ problems more than anyone else (dentist or chiropractic) had managed for the last several years. I’ve seen a noticeable change just due to some tweaks he made to an appliance I wear on my bottom teeth, and he’s now got me on a treatment plan that will hopefully help even more.
Plus, as others have said, the view out the window is nice. :-)

I found Dr. Specker through my insurance carrier’s website and also by going on Unilocal to do some research. I never liked going to the dentist because I felt like the dental hygienists, reception staff, and not to mention the actual dentist were so cruel to you.
Not this place!
From the minute I walked through the door I was greeted very warmly, and felt so comfortable. The receptionist engaged in some really nice conversation and it made me really relaxed!
Then, the hygenist came over and she was so great. She talked to me during my cleaning and made me feel good. She explained everything to me but wasn’t so talkative that I felt weird or anything, but just enough to relax me. Maybe she coudl tell I was a bit tense. Haha. I then was able to set up a follow up appt right then.
I then met with Dr. Specker who is such a nice guy. He looks just like the photo of him online which is kinda funny and he looked at my teeth to make sure everything was okay. You could tell he was being genuine which is awesome.
I wish he were located in the East Bay as most of my friends and family are this way and I want to recommend him so badly.
They were helpful though, showing me how to floss, being patient but also doing a thorough cleaning. I do have to go back for a filling but I dont even think I am going to be worried.
They even give you free samples which I love about going to the dentist! :)
I highly recommend him to anyone who is fearful of dentists, hasn’t been in awhile or just needs a location close to where they work, etc.

I live and work in the East Bay and schleping to San Francisco to go to the dentist isn’t trivial. I make the effort because Dr. Specker is top-​notch; excellent techniques and a perfect chair-​side manner. I have pretty good teeth, but after several decades of use, my mouth needed some serious attention. Dr. Specker gave me 6 new crowns and they’re beautiful! He realigned my mouth and arrested a budding case of TMJ. One thing I really appreciate about this guy is that he engages you in a meaningful way. I’m not saying he’s chatty; I’m saying he proposes options; helps you decide on the option best for you; tells you what’s next; and moves swiftly through the procedure. If you’re into efficient use of technology in dental care, you’ll be amazed at his set-​up. If you care about your teeth, you owe it to yourself to give Dr. Specker and his excellent staff a try!

My jaw was «popping and clicking» and occasionally locking. While not painful, it was certainly uncomfortable and getting in the way of enjoying the simple things like eating and talking. My previous dentist had given up trying to solve my problem.
Thankfully, I was referred to Dr. Specker’s office. He is an expert. Within a few short visits and consultations, he had me on the road to recovery.
This was many years ago and I’m still proud and pleased to call Dr. Specker my dentist.
AND his staff is friendly and treats me like family.

I was referred to Dr. Specker by a coworker when I told her I was looking for a dentist and didn’t know how to begin my search. He was delightful! I have always been in fear of dental work because my mouth doesn’t respond very quickly to any numbing agent. Dr. Specker is the only dentist who successfully numbed my mouth so that he could painlessly put much-​needed caps on my back molars.
The office is run by his wife, who is just as delightful as the dentist. Gail and Wanda are equally wonderful. I wouldn’t think of going anywhere else for dental work.
EDIT: I wish the rating system were such I could give Dr. Specker ten stars. I was having mysterious pain in my temple and TMJ was suspected. I made an appointment, assuming he would give me a mouth guard. As it turned out, I had an abcess in my jaw below an old root canal, and he he also noted my bite needed correcting. I may not need that mouth guard, after all!

Just got back from my 6 month checkup at his office. Staff as usual was efficient and friendly. Dr Specker himself I like fine. He doesn’t do much for a routine checkup, but trusts his assistants to do most of the work. My only complaint is that he’s constantly trying to get me to refer other people. I try to, but his somewhat limited office hours make it a bit difficult to manage, plus many of my friends are pretty happy with their existing dentists. Hopefully, this Unilocal review will help alleviate my guilt at not having sent anyone I know his way.
I’ve been seeing Dr Specker for 10 years now, and when I first went I hadn’t been to any dentist in waaay too long. I had a bunch of things that needed to be corrected, including (but not limited to) two root canals and some wisdom teeth that needed to be removed. Over the course of about a year he got my teeth in much better shape. I had heard horror stories about root canals and wisdom teeth removal, but my pain afterward was surprisingly dealable. I didn’t even finish the vicodin prescription I was given.
Best experience I’ve ever had at a dentist by far. And oh yes, the view (North Beach, Transamerica Pyramid, Coit Tower, Alcatraz, Marin) is phenomenal!

Dr. Specker’s been my dentist for nine years now. He’s a perfectionist about teeth and that’s a good thing.
A few years ago during a routine cleaning and check-​up, he had me do some bite tests. He frowned, never a good sign, and said «I think you should see an orthodontist.» Huh? «I’ve a beautiful smile» I said. «Yes, and you will need braces if you want to keep it.» he replied. Dr. Specker was right, I did need braces to correct a cross bite.
He’s been spot on about other problems too. I like that he’s not trying to «upsell» me on teeth whitening, or other cosmetic dentistry. He does do those procedures, but I know his first priority is good dental health.
His staff is friendly and helpful. And yes, he’s not cheap, but hey, you only get one set of teeth, so I’m not going to quibble about quality. He’s part of the Delta Dental Plan if you’re fortunate to have insurance.

I give Dr. Specker 5-​stars because he is awesome! He saved me from TMJ agony. I was in constant pain for months and he simply corrected the mouth-​guard my previous dentist made for me and told me to do a few jaw exercises. Within a few weeks, I was pretty much on the road to recovery. That was 5 years ago. Can’t imagine not getting my semi-​annual cleaning at his 24^th floor office. Talk about breathtaking views of the city! Location is convenient and the visits are always on time and quick. Once Gail starts poking away, I’m pretty much done in a half hour. Dr. Specker, Maggie (his wife), Gail and Wanda are incredibly friendly and helpful. Any issues with teeth, payment or insurance issues, they’re on it with a smile. I will continue to visit them twice a year until he closes shop… hopefully not for a long long time.

I’ve been going to Dr. Specker for over 5 years. He’s done some amazing work. His staff: Wanda, Gail and Maggie (his wife) are super friendly. The previous reviewer is correct, he doesn’t have the greatest chair-​side manner («ass» is not way off) and for that reason I’ve considered going else where BUT good work is hard to find so I find the charm instead.
Minus two for the impersonal. Plus thee for the good work.