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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Dentist in San Francisco, CA describes pinhole surgery

Dr. Leo Arellano of San Francisco, CA is a professional who provides solutions for patients who need to address imperfections of the gum line.

San Francisco, CA area patients who have receding gum lines caused by periodontal disease or even hereditary factors are encouraged to ask about gum grafting procedures that require no cutting or sutures such as the Pinhole Surgery Technique® available from Dr. Leo Arellano. Our dentist describes the procedure to patients and ensures them that it is one of the least invasive ways of enhancing the smile by improving the appearance of the gums.

How is this different from traditional gum grafting techniques?

Gum grafting is a treatment in which gum tissue is grafted where it is needed to achieve a more attractive gum line. Dr. Leo Arellano and his team of professionals find that while this can be a beneficial option for patients, the Pinhole Surgery Technique® makes the process far more effective while also being less invasive. Dr. Leo Arellano and his staff evaluate patients to see if they can benefit from this procedure. It is different, because it eliminates the need for cutting and sutures, which ensures faster healing and improved comfort for patients.

The process of pinhole surgery

First, patients are evaluated during their initial consultation appointment to find out if they are a proper candidate. Once patients have decided to have this procedure performed, they are welcome to book their oral surgery appointment. During this appointment, the dentist uses a special instrument that is inserted into the gum tissue and pulls it over the tooth. Then, when the gums are where they are best suited for improvements, the dentist will use tiny collagen strips underneath the tissues to stabilize the gums and help the gums heal extremely fast. Most patients will only need to use special rinses and mouthwashes following their appointment while the area heals, which can sometimes be overnight. Patients leave the office with their brand-new smile and enjoy the appearance of their gums in a more immediate fashion.

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

What are the benefits?

Pinhole Surgical Technique® has many advantages. It is:

  • Safe
  • Effective
  • Less invasive
  • Faster in healing/recovery
  • Immediate results

When might patients need it?

Pinhole Surgery Technique® available from Dr. Leo Arellano.

Most patients who have gum recession, either due to gum disease or genetic factors, can ask about the pinhole surgical technique used as an alternative to traditional gum grafting procedures. It is best for patients to work with our team of professionals to determine if they are appropriate candidates. This is determined during the consultation appointment. Dr. Leo Arellano and his staff will consult with patients and help them decide if this is the best option for enhancing their smiles. Our professionals are dedicated to educating patients, so they can make a knowledgeable decision in regard to the treatments they want to consider.

Gum recession should never be ignored. It can cause damage to the gum tissue and also expose the teeth to the elements. Some patients may not even realize that their gum tissue is receding, but when they come in for their routine evaluations with our team, they are notified that gum disease is present. Gum disease can be a serious condition that can develop into an even more concerning stage that can wreak havoc on the smile. When left untreated, the disease can cause not only gum recession but gum loss, tooth loss, and bone loss. Once gum disease has begun, it can only be controlled and not cured, so speaking with a dentist on a regular basis and undergoing routine evaluations is the best way to stay on top of this condition before it develops.

Learn more about the Pinhole Surgical Technique® today!

Dr. Leo Arellano of San Francisco, CA is a professional who provides solutions for patients who need to address imperfections of the gum line. This is sometimes done with the Pinhole Surgical Technique® instead of traditional gum grafting. Our team will assess the smile and determine if it can benefit from this particular treatment. Call the office for an appointment by calling 415-881-4343 and scheduling a visit at 3030 Geary Boulevard. Our practice is here to help patients in and around the community and provide treatments that can improve the health and beauty of the smile!

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Before and After Photos

Full Reconstruction with Veneers and Crowns

Photo by Dr. Leo Arellano

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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