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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Is snoring affecting the way your sleep? San Francisco dentist explains how it might be caused by sleep apnea

Snoring Dentist in San Francisco, Snoring Dentist in San Francisco

Sleep apnea is the common term for a serious sleep disorder that affects many adults in the San Francisco region. Sleep apnea episodes happen when a person while sleeping simply stops breathing for more than 10 seconds or their breathing slows enough to drop their blood oxygen level 4% or more. These episodes occur repeatedly throughout the night. Because sleep apnea episodes happen when the patient is asleep, it can often go undiagnosed.

Sleep apnea episodes are caused by obstruction of the airway; therefore, snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea though not always. As the person sleeps, the tongue may fall backwards and partially or completely block the airway. Many individuals don’t understand that snoring might be a side effect of sleep apnea and not just an annoying habit. It’s important not to take sleep apnea lightly as it could be a symptom of a serious health condition or can cause problems due to oxygen deprivation.

How do patients know if snoring is an annoyance or a sign of a larger problem?

There are several other common symptoms of sleep apnea. For example, patients with sleep apnea often gasp for air while sleeping as they begin to breathe again. It also causes disruptions in sleep, leading patients to feel chronically tired, regardless of how early they went to bed. Other symptoms include: irritability, anxiety or depression; lack of focus; and disorientation due to lack of sleep. Additionally, many patients with sleep apnea complain of constant headaches or a sore throat.

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

How is sleep apnea treated?

In the past, the most common method of treatment has included the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, machine. This apparatus includes a mask or nasal prongs that are connected to a machine that manages the air pressure. The machine is effective when used; however, many patients admit to not using the machine because it is uncomfortable and can be distracting.

Patients of Dr. Leo Arellano have another option with oral appliance therapy. This appliance, which is similar to a sports mouthguard, is small and lightweight. It works by shifting the lower jaw forward to ensure that airway does not become obstructed during sleep.

Don’t suffer through more nights, weeks, or months of poor quality sleep. Instead call today to schedule an appointment to discuss your options for treating your sleep apnea.

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Real Patients Real Results

Before and After Photos

Tooth with failing root canal, fractured root, and poor crown esthetics replaced with a dental implant and new crown.

Photo by Dr. Leo Arellano

Dental Implants – BNA Image – 10
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What our patients are saying...

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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