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, CA surgical dentist describes the Pinhole® gum surgery technique

Posted By: | Published On: | Pinhole Surgical Technique
Pinhole Gum Surgery with Dr. Leo Arellano in San Francisco Area
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When patients have had conditions such as periodontal disease, they may notice that their gums have receded. This can cause the natural teeth to have more exposed surfaces which can increase sensitivity and impact the appearance of the smile. In situations such as this, Dr. Leo Arellano of San Francisco, CA may recommend treating gingival recession with pinhole gum surgery. This surgical procedure is a cost-effective and reliable way of restoring the gum tissue over the teeth for function, health, and aesthetics.

What is gingival recession?

A condition called gingival recession is known for the receding of the natural gum line. It is a common complaint of patients, especially those who have experienced gum tissue deterioration or conditions such as periodontal disease. Others may experience it due to genetics, which can leave patients at a higher risk of developing gum disease. Whatever the reason, it can cause unwanted sensitivity of the exposed tooth and impact the appearance of the smile. 

How does the Pinhole® gum surgery work?

Instead of more traditional methods of restoring gum tissue, such as gum grafting, Dr. Leo Arellano chooses to perform a more modern solution through Pinhole® gum surgery. Instead of grafting gum tissue where needed, a small hole is made in the upper part of the gums. A unique surgical instrument is then used to pull the gum tissues and reposition them along the gumline for a more aesthetic, natural appearance. 

What are the benefits of the Pinhole Surgical Technique®?

Patients will enjoy:

  • Less bleeding
  • Shorter healing times
  • Natural results
  • Improved comfort
  • No stitches/sutures
We are here to help Call us at 415-881-4343 or Schedule an Appointment

Who is a candidate for Pinhole® gum surgery?

The best candidates for this procedure are patients who have gum recession that impacts their smile enough to consider grafting techniques. Our team will evaluate a patient to decide if they would benefit from this or other restorative solutions available at our practice. 

Learn more about the Pinhole Surgical Technique®

Patients with gingival recession will want to work with an experienced dental professional to achieve the best possible results. With the Pinhole Surgical Technique®, patients can improve their smile while reducing recovery time. Call 415-881-4343 for an appointment today.

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Real Patients Real Results

Before and After Photos

Missing and fractured upper front teeth replaced with dental implants and crowns.

Photo by Dr. Leo Arellano

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What our patients are saying...

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Even after moving to Oakland (and when I lived in Mountain View) I always return to SF to see Dr. Arellano. EVERYONE in the office is top notch!

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"Why choose us?" The bottom line is, it's all about YOU.

Contact our San Francisco dental office to schedule a one on one consultation with Dr. Arellano, and experience the benefits of a truly healthy mouth and a great looking smile.

Dr. Leo Arellano is a Board-certified dentist San Francisco, CA and nearby Bay Area communities Dr. Leo Arellano is a Board-certified dentist with more than three decades of experience serving San Francisco, CA and nearby Bay Area communities. He is licensed in LANAP periodontal therapy and certified by the Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry certified in Nd:YAG laser treatment. Dr. Arellano is known for providing conservative restorative treatments and artisan-quality cosmetic enhancements, using the latest technology and techniques. He has extensive experience in Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique for treating gum disease.