Our community has been through a lot due to the ongoing pandemic, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your health and safety.

Infection control has always been a top priority of our dental practice, and you may have seen that we take great pride in this. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. We want to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice to keep the patients, staff, and the ones we come in contact with in our daily lives safe.

Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued.

Upon the emergence of COVID-19, here are some additional measures we take to ensure your safety:
  • Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office, and we will be taking your temperature. Based on your answers and if your temperature is 100.4°F or higher, we will need to reschedule your appointment.
  • We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in other places in the office for you to use as needed.
  • You may see that our waiting room will no longer offer magazines, children’s toys and so forth, since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect. Similarly, please limit the personal belongings that you bring inside to your appointment.
  • Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients when possible. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment. Please respect the social distancing requirement of 6 feet where practical.
  • We will do our best to allow greater time between patients to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time. To that end, please consider calling from your car to check on the status of the reception area and be on time. Also, please come alone to your appointments. If needed, one guardian/caretaker is permitted, but they must remain in the reception area.
  • Please arrive with face masks/coverings for they will be required at all times for both patients and staff when appropriate.
  • An antiseptic mouth rinse will be used just prior to treatment for the health and safety of all. Where possible, expect changes in how we do certain procedures to eliminate or reduce the spread of aerosols and splatter during treatment. For example, for now we will be temporarily eliminating ultrasonic tools and teeth polishing during your teeth cleaning appointments until further notice.
  • Clear sneeze guard barriers between you and our front desk personnel will be used to aid in social distancing, and we ask that we all limit our conversations to what’s necessary to limit contact time. More regular and frequent sanitizing of high touch areas and items will be done for your health and safety. This includes door and other handles, light switches, countertops, etc.
We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at 415-752-8311 .

Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors, and friends.

Sincerely,
Dr. Leo Arellano

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Dentists in San Francisco, CA explain the benefits of gum grafting after periodontal disease

Posted By: | Published On: | Gum Disease
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When patients have had periodontal disease, they may experience gum recession due to the tissues shrinking from the infection. However, gum recession doesn’t have to be permanent. Patients in the San Francisco, CA area who visit Dr. Leo Arellano will be able to learn about the ways in which the smile can be restored after periodontal disease has affected the soft tissues. Gum grafting is a common treatment that can be used to improve the gum line.

What is gum grafting?

Gum grafting is a procedure performed by our professionals to help in adding gum tissue where it has been lost from periodontal disease. One new method of treatment is with the Chao Pinhole® surgical technique. This is a less invasive way of bringing down the gums over the teeth. This is not actually a form of gum grafting as it is a minimally invasive treatment for gingival recession. The Pinhole® technique allows the dentist to make a special flap from further up in the gums and bring it downward over the teeth, eliminating the need for sutures. This means less bleeding and faster healing. This is different from traditional gum grafting, which requires the patient to have gum tissue transferred from the roof of the mouth or use donated tissue sutured onto the gum tissue. This is more invasive and does require additional healing time. However, with the Chao Pinhole® surgical technique, patients can enjoy faster results.

Actual Patient Pictures Shown Before and After Treatment

Dentists in San Francisco, CA explain before and after gum disease
Dentists in San Francisco, CA explain before and After Gum disease treatment results
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Who is a candidate?

Patients who have otherwise healthy gums that can be brought down and allowed to heal are considered appropriate candidates for this alternative to gum grafting. This is determined with a full examination by Dr. Leo Arellano and his team and may include not only a physical evaluation but also x-rays. Patients who have had periodontal disease will need to work with their dentist to ensure that the condition has been fully treated before considering restorative services such as this.

What are the benefits of Chao Pinhole® surgical technique?

Happy young woman smilling with showing her teeth
  • Less bleeding
  • No sutures
  • Faster healing and recovery
  • Use of existing gum tissue

At what point in my dental journey should I have gum procedures performed?

Before undergoing treatments such as the Chao Pinhole® surgical technique, patients should make sure their smile is healthy. They must also work with their dentist to learn how they can maintain their oral health and wellness to help in reducing the need for further treatments later. Our practice can work with patients to help them in deciding the best time to have their restorative procedure performed.

Discuss the benefits of gum grafting and the Chao Pinhole® surgical technique with us today

At Dr. Leo Arellano General and Cosmetic Dentistry in San Francisco, CA, patients have a variety of treatment options to choose from to improve their oral health and wellness. We welcome patients in and around the community to discuss treatment of gum recession after periodontal disease with our team by scheduling an appointment at 415-881-4343 and visiting the office at 3030 Geary Boulevard.

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Before and After Photos

Missing and fractured upper front teeth replaced with dental implants and crowns.

Photo by Dr. Leo Arellano

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What our patients are saying...

originally posted on Google
5.0

I’ve been going to Dr. Arellano for about 20 years and I continue because of the excellent care and treatment I get with him and his whole office team. He is both professional and personable.
Recently I had a newer technique of gum surgery/grafting at his office called, “Pinhole Surgical Technique of gum grafting.” I personally found this to be much easier to handle than the other style of gum grafting that I received years ago for the other side of my mouth. That worked, it was where part of my roof of my mouth was cut and surgically sewn onto the gum. However, I much prefer the pinhole technique. It was actually the easiest dental work I’ve had (beyond regular cleaning) It didn’t take too long and it didn’t feel uncomfortable getting it done.... More Reviews

"Why choose us?" The bottom line is, it's all about YOU.

Contact our San Francisco dental office to schedule a one on one consultation with Dr. Arellano, and experience the benefits of a truly healthy mouth and a great looking smile.

Dr. Leo Arellano is a Board-certified dentist San Francisco, CA and nearby Bay Area communities Dr. Leo Arellano is a Board-certified dentist with more than three decades of experience serving San Francisco, CA and nearby Bay Area communities. He is licensed in LANAP periodontal therapy and certified by the Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry certified in Nd:YAG laser treatment. Dr. Arellano is known for providing conservative restorative treatments and artisan-quality cosmetic enhancements, using the latest technology and techniques. He has extensive experience in Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique for treating gum disease.