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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What is TMJ disorder and how can a dental practice in San Francisco, CA help with treatment?

TMJ disorder

At the practice of Dr. Leo Arellano, patients have access to many dental solutions to improve the health, beauty, and functionality of their smiles. San Francisco, CA families can work with him to determine if there are certain conditions at play that are damaging the natural teeth. A common concern is TMJ/TMD. Our team provides not only diagnosis of the condition but an effective treatment option.

TMJ/TMD explained

TMJ stands for “temporomandibular joint.” TMD stands for “temporomandibular disorder.” The two terms are often used interchangeably, but this should not be the case. TMJ is referring to the joint itself and TMD is referring to the chronic problems associated with a dysfunction of the joint. This joint hinges the jaw, so it can open and close. When it becomes problematic, it can be painful. Patients with TMD may notice:

  • Excessive clenching and grinding of the teeth
  • Clicking and popping of the jaw joint
  • Locking of the joint in the open or closed position
  • Pain from the head, ears, jaw, neck, or shoulders

When patients are experiencing these issues, they can see Dr. Leo Arellano for a proper diagnosis. Problems with the TMJ are often determined with a medical history, information from the patient on symptoms, and with visible signs inside the mouth that may indicate a problem.

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

Treatment of TMD

For most patients, treatment of TMD can be achieved with oral appliances. Oral appliance therapy is a popular choice, as it is comfortable and effective. An oral appliance is a specialized mouth guard that is made to help keep the jaw aligned and reduce the common problems associated with the condition. It can also help protect the natural tooth enamel and restorations from bruxism which is often present as well. Bruxism is the clenching and grinding of the teeth that many patients do during the night without even being aware of it. This can ruin the teeth and cause damage that can be expensive and time consuming to repair. Patients are urged to visit with their dentist if they suspect conditions such as this to get immediate treatment.

Does the jaw need surgery?

Only in severe cases of TMD do patients need to consider the benefits of surgical intervention. This is rare, but in some situations, it may be the only way to address the problem. However, most of our patients fare well with oral appliance therapy as treatment.

Discuss TMD with a dentist in your area

Dr. Leo Arellano and his team proudly offer patients in the San Francisco, CA area solutions to many common dental concerns. If you are interested in learning more about TMJ/TMD and how it can be properly diagnosed and treated, we encourage you to contact us. Call 415-881-4343 to book an appointment and work with our team, conveniently located at 3030 Geary Boulevard.

 

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What our patients are saying...

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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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