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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Professional cleaning removes dental plaque for healthy San Francisco smiles

Professional cleaning removes dental plaque

No matter how carefully home oral hygiene routines are practiced, it is important to receive regular professional cleaning at the dentist’s office to safeguard oral health. Dental plaque is a clear, sticky, bacteria-laden biofilm that is continuously forming on the teeth. Although careful brushing and flossing remove most of the plaque, there are areas that cannot be cleaned thoroughly.

This undisturbed plaque turns into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental hygienist using specialized tools. Complete removal of plaque and tartar is crucial to prevent the development and progression of gum disease and cavities. Many San Francisco residents trust their oral health and wellbeing to Dr. Leo Arellano and his skilled team.

A dental hygienist specializes in oral hygiene

Dental hygienists are licensed dental professionals who specialize in preventing cavities and periodontal disease, and in promoting oral health. Dr. Arellano was a dental hygienist before he became a dentist, and he helps his patients understand the role dental hygiene plays in oral and overall health.

The integrity of the oral structure is continuously assaulted by the acids produced by the bacterial colonies in dental plaque. These acids essentially eat away at the enamel on the teeth, resulting in decay. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory response of the oral tissues to the bacterial accumulations on the teeth. Good oral hygiene and professional cleanings eliminate these destructive colonies of bacteria.

Professional dental cleanings may protect more than oral health

Regular professional cleanings can protect more than oral health, it can help protect overall health as well. Taipei, Taiwan researcher, Zu-Yin Chen, MD, of Veterans General Hospital, conducted a study with some startling findings. When patients had regular professional dental cleanings, the risk of heart attack was reduced by 24 percent, and the risk of strokes dropped by 13 percent.

Additionally, by helping prevent periodontal disease, patients may be reducing their risk of serious medical conditions. Numerous studies have found a link between periodontal disease and heart disease, strokes, pulmonary disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

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

Benefits of professional dental cleanings for plaque removal

  • Better oral health
  • Prevent decay and periodontal disease
  • Protect overall health
  • Prevent bad breath
  • A cleaner mouth and brighter smile

Call 415-881-4343, or stop by our office at 3030 Geary Blvd. San Francisco, CA and schedule a professional cleaning and consultation with Dr. Arellano today.

 

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What our patients are saying...

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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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