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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Dentist in San Francisco, CA describes the use of Chao Pinhole® surgical technique for treating gum recession

Happy lady smilling with showing her face

At the practice of Dr. Leo Arellano, patients in San Francisco, CA and the surrounding areas who are interested in learning about the wide range of services available in the office are welcome to book a consultation visit. Patients in the area who have had gum recession caused by periodontal disease may want to learn about procedures such as gum grafting. However, thanks to continued advancements in dental technology and the extended training required, patients who visit Dr. Leo Arellano can learn about a different technique available with their dentist for the treatment of gum recession: Chao Pinhole® surgical technique.

The technique explained

Many patients are unaware of alternative treatments to gum grafting. Dr. Leo Arellano has had extensive training in providing solutions that can be less invasive than traditional treatments. The Chao Pinhole® surgical technique is a method of bringing down the gum tissues to cover the tooth structure This is often necessary not only for cosmetic reasons, but also to help protect the roots of the teeth that may be exposed after periodontal disease has affected the smile. Instead of using gum grafting, which requires the dentist to transfer tissues from the roof of the mouth or use donated tissues and suturing them onto the gums, this method requires a small hole that is used for pulling the gum tissue downward and over the tooth.

Benefits of Chao Pinhole® surgical technique

  • Less bleeding
  • Less invasive
  • No sutures
  • Faster recovery
  • Amazing results

Who is a candidate?

Patients who are interested in gum grafting may be educated by their dentist on the advantages of using Chao Pinhole® surgical technique instead. This procedure can be performed on patients once they have gotten their periodontal disease under control and should not be done if disease is still present. To determine if periodontal disease is present, patients must undergo an examination with Dr. Leo Arellano, which may include x-rays to monitor for other concerns, such as areas of decay that can affect a tooth treated with this procedure. Once the patient has been determined to be an appropriate candidate, the appointment for treatment can be made.

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

What to expect during treatment with Dr. Leo Arellano

Smilling lady showing her teeth with pointing

Patients are welcome to ask questions about the treatment they will receive with our dental team. Patients will have proper anesthetics and sedation to ensure they are comfortable throughout the appointment. Then, the dentist uses specialized instruments to create the pinhole and move the gum tissue to cover the roots of the teeth. One of the benefits of Chao Pinhole® surgical technique is the ability for the dentist to provide treatment for numerous teeth in one appointment.

Schedule an appointment to learn about this amazing gum grafting alternative

Dr. Leo Arellano and his professionals in San Francisco, CA are available to assist patients in addressing many dental health needs with great care. Patients can call 415-881-4343 to schedule an appointment with the front office team at 3030 Geary Boulevard and find out if they are appropriate candidates for this or other alternatives such as traditional gum grafting.

 

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Real Patients Real Results

Before and After Photos

Crowded teeth and failing root canal tooth needing extraction corrected with Invisalign®, bleaching, and dental implant.

Photo by Dr. Leo Arellano

Dental Implants – BNA Image – 11-1
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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