William R. Hummer, DDS is a general dentist practicing in San Leandro who offers a wide range of procedures to patients of all ages. The practice recently expanded its office to include seven operatories, and its preventive care plans include cleanings; preventive restorations; and reconstructive, esthetic, cosmetic, and minimally invasive dentistry. Dr. Hummer believes gentleness is the cornerstone of comfortable dental treatment, and he uses state-of-the-art equipment and sterilization procedures to facilitate this approach.
Dr. Hummer’s practice also offers cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry technology such as microabrasion (drill-free dentistry), porcelain veneers, Invisalign®, emergency treatment, implants, customized mouth guards, digital x-rays, and examinations. Restorative options include composite, amalgam, and glass ionomer fillings and sealants; crowns include e-max, zirconia, gold, porcelain and porcelain fused to metal; and dentures include full upper/lower stay plates, partials, and mini implant-supported dentures.
Dr. Hummer is joined by Dr. Aileen McCready; Dr. David Swoboda; and an office staff that’s dedicated to providing modern, comprehensive dental care in a caring environment. “We enjoy getting to know our patients on a personal level,” says Dr. Hummer. “Our dental health plans are designed to fit each person’s specific needs to achieve a healthy, long-lasting smile.”
“Our goal is to offer the best dentistry possible in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. When our patients need treatment, we explain options, show and tell with photographs, discuss fees, review and estimate insurance coverage and co-payments, and provide thorough and comprehensive examinations.”
If you know and trust your dentist, don’t switch simply for insurance reasons. “Dental problems evolve slowly, over months and years,” says William R. Hummer Jr., DDS. “That’s why you shouldn’t switch dentists often or without good reason. A dentist you’re seeing for the first time simply can’t trust everything that’s under every filling. They haven’t seen the progress of a filling over five years to know whether it’s changed.”
A dentist who sees you regularly will know your dental history and can typically offer you less aggressive treatment. Here are some other dental tips to consider:
Don’t worry about being harmed by dental X-rays.
They pose very little risk, especially when patients are protected with lead aprons. Besides, today’s high-speed films minimize the amount of exposure.
Schedule regular dental visits for your children.
It’s best to start with the appearance of their first tooth. Add a regular program of brushing, flossing and healthy eating, and your child will benefit from a lifetime of good dental habits.
The best tooth whitening technique is a dentist-prescribed system.
These systems change the color of teeth with minimal (if any) side effects. Veneers are appropriate for more difficult cases. There are many other options; ask your dentist about them.
Electric toothbrushes are best.
There are numerous models on the market that work well. Ask your dentist to recommend one. Similarly, virtually any brand of toothpaste is fine, providing it contains fluoride and controls tartar. Using a proper brushing technique is far more important than using a certain brand of toothpaste.
A strong proponent of preventative dental care, William R. Hummer, Jr., DDS favors treatments such as fluoride trays, sealants and microbrasions that stop tooth decay from ever developing. Dr. Hummer also emphasizes "gentleness" at his San Leandro practice. "We understand that many people fear visiting the dentist," he says, "so we strive to make the process as enjoyable as possible."
In many cases, Dr. Hummer still uses silver fillings. "They're more economical than white fillings and are often the best option for patients," he says. Whenever possible, he also repairs damaged crowns instead of recommending a full replacement, which can be costly. "Repaired crowns can last up to 15 years. They're a great value for patients."
Because dental problems typically develop slowly over months or even years, Dr. Hummer will often stagger his patients' dental work over time. Someone who needs six fillings, for example, could have the work spread over two years without additional harm, he says.
Dr. Hummer uses a technology called digital radiography that uses no radiation and visualizes interior teeth more quickly and accurately than x-rays. His practice also uses a plasma arc laser that cures fillings in three seconds instead of the standard 30, minimizing patients' discomfort.
Because dental work often creates dust around an office and leaves an unpleasant smell, Dr. Hummer's practice features a highly-efficient filtration system that cleanses the air of dust and odor. Special magnification and lighting help keep harsh dental lights out of patients' eyes, and each room has its own individual stereo system. The office's waiting room is equipped with iPad Internet service, Wi-Fi, laptop computers and a television.