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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Tips for prevention of gum problems in San Francisco

Gum Problems Prevention San Francisco

Dr. Leo Arellano and his talented team are dedicated to helping people in San Francisco and across the Bay Area enjoy beautiful smiles and optimal oral health. The doctor provides a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services, but he believes prevention is the best treatment for any dental issue. Problems with gum health (periodontal disease) are a common concern across America. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that half of all people over 30 suffer from some stage of the disease. Good oral hygiene and healthy habits are essential to preventing gum disease.

Dr. Arellano offers some tips to help avoid gum problems:

  • Diet – Reduce the frequency and quantity of sugary foods and beverages consumed, because sugar feeds the harmful bacteria that cause periodontal disease.
  • Tobacco – Research has found that tobacco use, both smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco, may play a role in more than 50 percent of the cases of chronic periodontal disease. Quitting can improve oral and overall health.
  • Checkups – Periodontal disease is not obvious to the individual until it has reached the most advanced stages. Regular dental examinations can reveal the onset of the disease and allow it to be addressed promptly. Early treatment is more conservative and prevents further damage to the oral tissues.
  • Oral hygiene – Effective oral hygiene is the first line of defense against periodontal disease.
    • Brush after meals and snacks. When it is not possible to brush, rinsing can remove a portion of the food particles and reduce bacteria by 30 percent.
    • Using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and brush debris away from the gums, making sure to brush every surface of every tooth.
    • If limited dexterity is a problem, an electric toothbrush may be beneficial.
    • Clean the tongue with a toothbrush or tongue scraper.
    • Rinse with a prescription chlorhexidrine mouthwash or Listerine twice a day.
    • Floss – Flossing daily is crucial to effective oral hygiene because a toothbrush cannot reach the areas between teeth.
We are here to help Call us at 415-881-4343 or Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Arellano and his team are happy to answer patients’ questions about best practices to improve oral health and avoid gum problems. They can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques for patients, if needed.

Our office is conveniently located at 3030 Geary Blvd. San Francisco, CA 94118. Be proactive about oral health. Call 415-881-4343 and schedule an appointment today.

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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

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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