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 the San Francisco, CA community explains the process of pinhole surgical technique

At the practice of Dr. Leo Arellano, patients in the area of San Francisco, CA have a variety of treatment options to choose from to enhance their smiles.

At the practice of Dr. Leo Arellano, patients in the area of San Francisco, CA have a variety of treatment options to choose from to enhance their smiles. Patients who have gum recession may be worried about traditional gum grafting procedures available in local dental practices. Instead, patients can work with our team to discuss the advantages of solutions such as the pinhole surgical technique, an advanced method of restoring the gum line in a less invasive manner

The pinhole surgical technique explained

Many patients are confused when they hear about the pinhole surgical technique for repairing the gum line. When gum recession occurs, it can result in the exposure of the roots, putting them at risk for cavities, root sensitivities, bone loss around teeth, and periodontal (gum) disease. Using the pinhole surgical technique, patients will experience faster and more comfortable healing times. The pinhole technique requires the dentist to create a very small hole in the gums and use special instruments to loosen and move the gum tissues to where they need to be. This treatment greatly reduces bleeding, inflammation, and healing for patients, making it a more desirable solution when compared to traditional gum grafting.

Why pinhole surgical technique?

This procedure:

  • Provides faster healing
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Reduces bleeding
  • Does not require a scalpel incision
  • Does not require gum tissues for grafting
  • Does not require sutures
  • Is done using only local anesthetics for comfort
We are here to help Call us at 415-881-4343 or Schedule an Appointment

When might a patient need pinhole surgery?

The primary reason a patient may consider this treatment is due to gum recession. Gum recession can be a genetic concern or may be caused by periodontal disease. Both can contribute to the gum tissue shrinking and receding from the teeth. When this happens, it exposes the roots of the teeth and can also affect the appearance of the smile. By bringing the gum line back, it is protecting the natural tooth structure and also making the smile more aesthetically pleasing. It can be a way of repairing damage done by later stages of periodontal disease. Another reason why a patient may consider this treatment is if they have a gum line that is uneven. This can cause a crooked line across the top of the teeth and can be a displeasing look. Dentists can use this procedure to pull the gum tissue into better alignment for a more beautiful smile.

Who is a candidate?

Any patient with the above concerns regarding their smile may be a proper candidate for procedures such as this. Patients can discuss the pros and cons of traditional gum grafting versus the use of the pinhole surgical technique.

How long does the procedure take?

pinhole surgical technique with Dr. Leo Arellano!

The entire procedure from start to finish is completed right in the dental chair with Dr. Leo Arellano in just a single appointment. Patients can ask about sedative and local anesthetics to ensure their comfort throughout the procedure and to make sure they are not nervous about their upcoming surgical treatment. The dentist will walk patients through the entire process, so they are at ease with the treatment. Patients who are seeking treatment for cosmetic purposes may also consider the benefits of adding other procedures during the same time for a complete transformation of the smile, including professional teeth whitening, composite resin bonding, porcelain veneers, and more!

Learn more about the pinhole surgical technique with Dr. Leo Arellano!

Patients in the area of San Francisco, CA are welcome to book a consultation visit with Dr. Leo Arellano to learn more about cosmetic and restorative procedures used to address problems such as gum recession. He welcomes new patients into his state-of-the-art dental office to achieve outstanding results. His practice is located at 3030 Geary Boulevard and can be reached by phone by calling 415-881-4343. Whether you are seeking general dentistry or restorative care, our team is here for you!

 

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One hour in-office bleaching (BriteSmile®) to brighten the yellowing of aging.

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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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