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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Gum Disease aka Periodontitis treatments by Dr. Leo Arellano in San Francisco CA

Gum Disease Treatments - San Francisco, CA

What Is Gum Disease?

The strength of your teeth is only as good as the gum and bone that hold and support them. Even strong healthy teeth can be lost if your gum and bone weaken as a result of gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects the foundational health of your teeth and can worsen over the years without any obvious pain or discomfort. 

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by bacterial infection. Science has not yet developed a cure – only ways to control it. A cure implies that the disease will not recur. However, the bacteria, called dental plaque, are normally always present and growing in your mouth. When plaque accumulates undisturbed for long periods of time, it produces toxic by-products that result in infection to the gum and bone. 

What Other Factors Contribute to Gum Disease?

Conditions that trap plaque or make it more difficult to remove are the primary contributing factors. Defective or ill-fitting dental work, crowded crooked teeth, and even large hands or a small mouth are just a few examples that make plaque control difficult. Of secondary importance are genetic factors, diet, stress, and smoking. 

What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?

Any one or more of the following may indicate the presence of gum disease: bleeding, red, swollen, or tender gums; loose teeth; a change in your bite; receding gums; and bad breath. 

How Is Gum Disease Controlled?

Basically, your ability to remove or break up the plaque accumulations on your teeth and gums will eliminate gum disease and control it over time. Oral hygiene methods are the most common and effective way to do this. It is always the basis of any gum treatment. Managing the other contributing factors is also essential for long-term control. 

What is gum / periodontal disease?

What is gum / periodontal disease?
Video Transcript

The three stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is caused by toxins irritating the gum line as a result of plaque buildup. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include swelling, sensitivity, and bleeding of the gums during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis can be easily reversed through professional care and good home oral hygiene. Periodontitis is categorized by irreversible bone loss that results from untreated gingivitis. The gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line which traps food and plaque. Dental treatment and home care can help prevent from further damage, but at this stage, the results are not reversible. Advanced periodontitis is when the fibers and bones supporting the teeth are destroyed. This may cause teeth to shift or loosen. Teeth may have to be removed depending on how advanced the disease has become and if treatments are not effective. You can begin by preventing gum disease with good oral health. Pick up a brochure or ask your dentist today!


How Is Gum Disease Treated?

The goal of all treatment is the removal of all contributing factors and to create access so that effective oral hygiene can be done. Treatment options include Scaling and Root Planing, Gum Surgery, Ozone therapy, and Laser Gum Treatment (LANAP) 

Real Patients Real Results

Before and After Photos

Root sensitivity caused by gum recession cured by a gum graft to cover the exposed sensitive root surface.

Photo by Dr. Leo Arellano

Gum Disease – BNA Image – 08
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What our patients are saying...

originally posted on Google
5.0

We’ve gone to Dr Arellano for many years and have never been disappointed with any of the work he’s done. Recently my husband broke a tooth and Leo got him in and had the tooth repaired within a few short hours. Service like that is very hard to finds these days. His office staff is fantastic. Nice people you are always glad to see. I would highly recommend Dr Arellano to anyone who is searching for an honest, competent, well trained dentist.

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