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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San Francisco residents enjoy the health benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign Benefits San Francisco

Invisalign is an advanced orthodontic system that can straighten teeth discreetly and comfortably. Setting the teeth, jaws, and lips into correct alignment creates an attractive smile; however, enhanced aesthetics is just one of the many benefits of Invisalign. Straightening your teeth offers tremendous health benefits as well. Nearly 75 percent of American adults have some degree of misalignment (malocclusion). The effects of misalignment can get worse over time and can affect your overall health. When not corrected, misalignment can result in periodontal (gum) disease, more tooth decay, and abnormal stress on the teeth and jaws.

Studies are presenting a growing body of evidence linking periodontal disease to numerous systemic diseases and medical conditions including heart disease, diabetes, pulmonary disease, fetal development, and strokes, among others. Misaligned teeth can affect oral health because it is difficult to clean the crowded areas effectively. Oral bacteria that are not removed will multiply and lead to periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay.

The periodontal disease begins as red, inflamed gum tissue, and bleeding when brushing and flossing. Without treatment, the inflammation progresses into a chronic infection, eventually leading to tissue damage, bone loss, and finally, tooth loss. These conditions can result in pain and the need for extensive, expensive, time-consuming dental treatments. Comfortable, discreet, convenient treatment with Invisalign can give you beautifully straight teeth and decrease the risk of developing periodontal disease.

We are here to help Call us at 415-881-4343 or Schedule an Appointment

Structural Issues

Some common types of malocclusion include cross bite, open bite, under bite, edge-to-edge bite, spacing, and excessive overjet. When the bite is affected, abnormal pressure can cause excessive wear. Worn teeth are subject to chipping and can develop notches at the gum line. Over time, the abnormal forces cause by misalignment can cause flattened, worn teeth that will develop fractures at the edges, resulting in sensitivity, pain, and an increased risk of cavities or a broken tooth.

The jaw joints (temporomandibular joints – TMJs) and teeth are mutually reinforcing structures. When the bite is affected, the improper forces that the temporomandibular joints and its associated muscles are subjected to can cause jaw pain, facial pain, earaches, headaches, muscle aches, and other discomforts. Invisalign can correct serious structural issues while straightening the teeth.

Dr. Leo Arellano and his skilled team have spent many years helping the people of San Francisco enjoy optimal oral health, straight teeth, and beautiful smiles. Visit our smile gallery to see some of the beautiful, healthy smiles that the doctor has created with Invisalign treatments. Call 415-881-4343 to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation.

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Real Patients Real Results

Before and After Photos

Upper front tooth replaced with an all porcelain Maryland Bonded Bridge.

Photo by Dr. Leo Arellano

Crowns - Bridges – BNA Image – 18 - 1
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What our patients are saying...

originally posted on Google
5.0

Great dentist and very pleasant to work with. He has been very helpful in helping you understand the entire process of your dental needs! If you want someone to take has time with you, he is your guy. I am very happy and pleased with his fantastic service. Also, his front staff is wonderful and very ease to talk to and very helpful. May provide excellent patient service!

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