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 dentist explains how the pinhole surgical technique can help patients suffering periodontal disease

If you have ever noticed bleeding gums after brushing, you are not alone. Many people spot a little ‘pink in the sink’ and assume that it is normal, or an indication that they brushed with too much pressure. However, bleeding gums are not normal. In fact, this is one of the early symptoms of gum disease. Other early signs include gums that are red or inflamed and persistent bad breath. A minimally invasive treatment for periodontal disease is now available in San Francisco.

Gum disease is a common infection, but one that can cause irreversible damage if not addressed early. Unfortunately, symptoms of gum disease are often overlooked, leading to the condition not being treated until it has progressed.

Stages of gum disease

  • Gingivitis is the least aggressive form. It can be treated effectively with a professional cleaning and improvement in home oral hygiene habits.
  • Periodontitis occurs if gingivitis goes untreated. Plaque that remains on teeth turns to tartar, both of which cause long-term gum inflammation if not removed. Over time, gum tissue begins to pull away from teeth, leaving large pockets between the gum line and tooth surface. These pockets hold infection, which can spread to bone and tissues in the mouth. It can also cause teeth to shift, and lead to tooth loss.
We are here to help Call us at 415-881-4343 or Schedule an Appointment
Treatment for periodontal disease can be invasive and complex, often requiring surgery for recession of gums. However, San Francisco dentist, Dr. Leo Arellano, is able to reposition gum tissue without using a scalpel. With a new treatment method known as Pinhole Surgical Technique, Dr. Arellano uses a small needle to create a hole in the gum. With special tools, he gently pulls the gum back into its proper position, with minimal side effects such as pain, bleeding, and inflammation.

To learn more about gum disease and the Pinhole Surgical Technique, call Dr. Leo Arellano today at 415-881-4343.

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Real Patients Real Results

Before and After Photos

Replacing a missing front tooth with a fixed bridge has made this patient smile more.

Photo by Dr. Leo Arellano

Crowns - Bridges – BNA Image – 03
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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