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, CA area dentist explains options for replacing missing teeth

Sample image of a Bridge

At the practice of Dr. Leo Arellano, patients in and around the community of San Francisco, CA who are experiencing tooth loss are often seeking the help of a knowledgeable dentist who can help them understand and explain the options available for replacing missing teeth. Our team of professionals work closely with individuals to assist them in finding out how they can repair the smile after tooth loss in an effective and affordable manner.

Tooth replacement options

Replacing missing teeth may seem overwhelming to patients who are unfamiliar with the many ways in which a new smile can be achieved. Dr. Leo Arellano and his team of professionals provide some of the following solutions for patient consideration:

  • Dentures – full and partial dentures are some of the most economical ways for patients to replace missing teeth within the smile and are often covered in part by dental insurance plans. Full dentures are made of acrylic and include false teeth and gums and are best utilized by patients who have lost an entire arch of teeth. Partial dentures are used for patients who need to replace one or more teeth in the dental arch. These restorations are made with an acrylic and metal framework including false teeth that slide into place when the denture is put in the smile. This provides a restoration that not only allows patients to replace their missing teeth and improve their self-confidence but offers a restoration that is easy to care for with simple removal.
  • Dental bridges – dental bridges are single restorations that can replace one or more teeth missing in a row within the dental arch. Dental bridges are made with ceramic and include false teeth called pontics and crowns fused to each end. They use the surrounding teeth for support to allow the bridge to “bridge the gap” between these teeth and restore function and beauty.
  • Dental implants – the gold standard in tooth replacement is that of the dental implant. This is usually a titanium post that replaces a single tooth when covered with a dental crown. It functions as a natural tooth and can be more stable than any of the other options. Many times it can be a long-term solution to a missing tooth. Dental implants are also more desirable because they allow for osseointegration, which is the growth of bone around the implant to hold it firmly in place. Other tooth replacement options may leave patients susceptible to bone loss of the jaw, while dental implants are the only option that can maintain the bone over time. While the most expensive option, dental implants can be the most valuable investment a patient can make with their smile.
We are here to help Call us at 415-881-4343 or Schedule an Appointment

Ready to learn more?

Discuss tooth replacement options with Dr. Leo Arellano today and get started in discussing the best solution for your smile! Call 415-881-4343 and book a visit with the practice at 3030 Geary Boulevard in San Francisco, CA. Our team is here to assist in educating patients about the ways in which they can repair their smile after tooth loss in an affordable, effective, and natural-looking manner.

 

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Real Patients Real Results

Before and After Photos

Missing tooth replaced by short dental implant to avoid additional sinus lift procedure

Photo by Dr. Leo Arellano

Dental Implants – BNA Image – 07
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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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