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, dentist discusses the costs and benefits of Pinhole Surgical treatment

dentist discusses the costs and benefits of Pinhole Surgical treatment

Most adults understand that good oral health is critical to preventing cavities; however, many don’t understand how these same habits can be important for helping to prevent gum disease which can result in gum recession. Many patients believe that gum recession can’t be reversed without painful gum grafts, however, San Francisco dentist, Dr. Leo Arellano, has had immense success with the Pinhole Surgical Technique® treatment. He helps patient understand how gum recession can occur and discusses the costs and consideration of this, and other, treatments.

What causes gum disease and recession?

Gum disease is caused when dental plaque and food particles are not properly removed from the teeth and cause an infection below the gums. In its early stages, gingivitis can cause bleeding or sore gums. However, as the infection grows, the gums can be at risk. Gum recession happens gradually, which means that most patients don’t notice it. The first signs they may notice are that the teeth become sensitive to hot, cold, or even sweet foods and beverages. Another common sign is that patients may feel a notch on their tooth or see a change in the enamel near the gum line.

Gum recession can also be caused by other factors such as brushing too hard or using a brush with stiff bristles. Genetics may also play a role in determining if you’re at risk for gum recession. Finally, trauma to the mouth, or teeth that are not in proper alignment can also be factors of gum recession.

Actual Patient Pictures Shown Before and After Treatment

Patients Pinhole Surgical Technique Before And After results
Patients Pinhole Surgical Technique Before And After results


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

How can gum recession be treated?

If gum recession is not treated, it can lead to further damage of the teeth and gums, eventually leading to the loss of teeth. The type of treatment and cost to fix gum recession can vary, based on how far the gum has receded and how many areas of the mouth need to be treated.

How can gum recession be treated For gums that are just beginning to show signs of recession, a simple change of home oral hygiene habits may stop the problem. This can include better brushing and flossing habits, use of mouthwash, or being more careful while brushing and using gentle small circular strokes instead of aggressive back and forth brushing.

Gum recession that is more advanced may require more advanced treatment, such as a gum graft procedure, which involves removing gum tissue from one area of the mouth and placing it over the damaged area. While this is an effective treatment, it does have disadvantages. For example, this procedure involves two areas of the mouth that will have to heal, and only a limited number of teeth can be treated at a time. Depending on how many teeth need to be treated, it can be a costly, long, and uncomfortable process.

Dr. Arellano is pleased to offer the Pinhole Surgical Technique® to his patients who are experiencing gum recession. This treatment does not rely on scalpels, incisions, or stitches. Instead, the doctor uses specialized instruments that enter through a small opening made in the gums and then loosens the tissue and gently places it back into its proper position. This treatment causes less bleeding, swelling, and overall discomfort for the patient.

For more information about gum recession or the costs and considerations of treatment such as the Pinhole Surgical Technique®, call the office of Dr. Leo Arellano today at 415-881-4343.

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Real Patients Real Results

Before and After Photos

Invisalign for Severe Crowding with Tooth Extraction and Bleaching

Photo by Dr. Leo Arellano

Teeth Whitening – BNA Image – 02
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What our patients are saying...

originally posted on Google
5.0

Dr. Arellano has been my dentist since 1989 and I believe he is the best of the best! I have experienced many uncomfortable dental procedures in the past, many due to painful injections. Dr. Arellano has excellent technique in anesthetizing that results in painless injections. He truly cares about his patients and his work. His staff, especially Mei, is extraordinary and will go above and beyond to work in appointments, assist in resolving payment/insurance issues, referrals, etc. Dr. Arellano and his team have always provided excellent care and service over the years. I highly recommend him for your dental care.

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