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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Bridging the gap with a dental bridge in San Francisco

Dental Bridge from San Francisco dentist

The gap left by missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to drift, which can affect the bite, cause jaw soreness, and cause excessive wear on the opposing teeth. Additionally, the drifting teeth can create new places for plaque to be trapped, increasing the risk of periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay. Dental bridges serve a cosmetic purpose as well, filling in the gaps in your smile. Dental Implants are preferred by many patients for the replacement of missing teeth; however, dental bridges are initially more economical for those on a tight budget. Three forms of dental bridges are in use today:

  • Traditional fixed bridge – A traditional dental bridge is a replacement tooth (pontic) connected between two dental crowns, filling the gap left by a missing tooth. The crowns are cemented over the prepared teeth (abutment teeth) adjacent to the gap. This is termed a fixed bridge, as it is not removable, unlike a partial denture that is removable. A fixed bridge can be used to replace one or more teeth that have been lost.
  • Cantilever bridge – This style of bridge can be cemented to only one prepared abutment tooth. It can be used when there are anchoring abutment teeth only on one side of the gap.
  • Maryland dental bridge – Also called a resin-bonded or Maryland bonded bridge, it is mainly used on front teeth that do not sustain the biting pressure that back teeth do. The replacement tooth is connected to metal or porcelain wings, which are then bonded to the adjacent abutment teeth with resin cement. A Maryland bridge requires less abutment tooth reduction for placement.

There are several materials used in the making of dental bridges: porcelain and metal, porcelain and gold, or high strength materials such as alumina or zirconia or all metal/gold. Several aspects determine which material should be used, such as position in the mouth, budget, and bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), among other factors.

We are here to help Call us at 415-881-4343 or Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Leo Arellano and his gentle, caring dental team are dedicated to providing exceptional dental care. They listen and understand their patient’s needs, desires, and financial limitations. They work with them to determine the best treatment plan and financial arrangements for their specific situation. To schedule a consultation, call 415-881-4343, or stop by 3030 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA.

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Real Patients Real Results

Before and After Photos

Porcelain Veneers to Repair Severe Wear and Erosion

Photo by Dr. Leo Arellano

Veneers – BNA Image – 05
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What our patients are saying...

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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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