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 smiles sparkle with professional teeth whitening products

Dr. Leo Arellano at Leo Arellano DDS PC Providing smiles sparkle with professional teeth whitening products

Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry service available today. It is estimated that Americans spend about two billion dollars each year on teeth whitening services and products. Dr. Leo Arellano and his dental team are responsible for many dazzling San Francisco smiles.

The source of the stains

Tooth enamel consists of microscopic, rod like, hydroxyapatite crystals, and although the surfaces of the teeth may seem very smooth, they are actually porous. Over time, staining particles from food and beverages sink into the pores of the enamel, staining the teeth.

Some of the most common contributors to tooth discoloration are richly colored substances such as pasta sauce, red wine, berries, tea, coffee, and items containing artificial coloring. Tobacco use, whether it is cigarettes, cigars, or smokeless tobacco, can cause yellow or brown stains.

Removing the stains

Both in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatments use a peroxide based gel to brighten the smile. The oxidizing agent in either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide penetrates the porous enamel and breaks down the staining molecules in the teeth.

  • In-office whitening – This method can brighten the enamel several shades in just one appointment. The lips and soft tissues are protected from exposure to the whitening gel. The solution is applied to the teeth, allowed to work a few minutes, and then removed. This process is typically completed three times. An activating light may be used, depending on the type of solution. In about an hour, the patient leaves the office with a sparkling smile. This option is especially popular with those who need to see results quickly to look their best for a big event.
  • Take-home whitening – For this option, customized trays are made based on impressions of the teeth. The patients are given the trays, whitening gel, and detailed instructions for their use at home. Patients wear the gel-filled trays for a specified length of time each day until the desired results are achieved. Although this process is slower than in-office whitening, it can achieve the same outcome. The trays can be used periodically to maintain the results when stains begin to reappear on the teeth. This option is generally more economical than the in-office treatment.
We are here to help Call us at 415-881-4343 or Schedule an Appointment

Maintaining that bright smile

Effective oral hygiene practices, regular dental visits, and prompt brushing after consuming stain causing foods and beverages will help keep the smile bright. Call 415-881-4343, or stop by our office, conveniently located at 3030 Geary Blvd. San Francisco, CA to schedule an appointment today.

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Real Patients Real Results

Before and After Photos

Commonly small upper lateral incisors are conservatively made larger with no-prep porcelain veneers.

Photo by Dr. Leo Arellano

Veneers – BNA Image – 12-1
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What our patients are saying...

originally posted on Google
5.0

Dr. Arellano has been my dentist since 1989 and I believe he is the best of the best! I have experienced many uncomfortable dental procedures in the past, many due to painful injections. Dr. Arellano has excellent technique in anesthetizing that results in painless injections. He truly cares about his patients and his work. His staff, especially Mei, is extraordinary and will go above and beyond to work in appointments, assist in resolving payment/insurance issues, referrals, etc. Dr. Arellano and his team have always provided excellent care and service over the years. I highly recommend him for your dental care.

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