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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San Francisco dentist dispels myths about dental implants

Implants dentist san francisco

Although dental implants have a proven record of success over the past 40 years, and have become the treatment of choice for replacing missing teeth, many myths about them are still floating around. Dr. Leo Arellano, a dentist who has extensive experience in restoring San Francisco smiles with dental implants, would like to dispel some of the misconceptions about this terrific treatment.

  1. Implant placement is painful – False! Patients are comfortably numbed during the procedure, and most report less post treatment discomfort than what is experienced after tooth extraction.
  2. Implants are expensive – False! With proper care, implants can last a lifetime. Other restorations such as bridges and dentures need periodic adjustment and replacement, making the long-term cost higher than it is for implants.
  3. Implants are simply fixed dentures – False! Implants are integrated with the jawbone, replacing the roots of the missing teeth. They provide stimulation to the jawbone, preventing bone loss and preserving the oral structure.
  4. Weak bone structure disqualifies patients from having treatment – False! In most cases, a bone graft can reinforce the jaw sufficiently to support implants.
  5. Senior citizens cannot receive implants – False! There is not an age limit for implant placement as long as the patient is in good oral and overall health.
  6. Dental implants are a new treatment – False! Implants have been in use for more than four decades, and more than three million people have dental implants
  7. Drinkers or smokers cannot get implants – False! Although it is true that drinking alcohol or using tobacco will reduce the chances of success, it does not necessarily preclude the possibility of getting implants.
  8. Implants frequently fail – False! With nearly 50 years of clinical research, implants enjoy an overall success rate of 96 percent. Implants are made of biocompatible material and complications are very rare.
  9. Implants are difficult to care for – False! Implants require the same care as natural teeth, effective brushing and flossing, and biannual dental checkups and professional cleanings.
  10. Implant placement is a lengthy procedure – False! Implant placement generally takes less than an hour.
We are here to help Call us at 415-881-4343 or Schedule an Appointment

Dr. Leo Arellano is a skilled and experienced dentist with a highly trained team; they keep San Francisco smiling beautifully with a wide variety of restorative services. Call 415-881-4343 and schedule an appointment today.

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Real Patients Real Results

Before and After Photos

Old defective 4 upper front crowns with spaces and inflammation from gum recession replaced with new crowns. Notice the resulting healthy gum tissue from well fitting crowns.

Photo by Dr. Leo Arellano

Crowns - Bridges – BNA Image – 19
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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