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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Comparing the types of support for dental bridges in San Francisco

Posted By: | Published On: | Crowns Bridges
Types of Dental Bridges from San Francisco Dentist
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When the loss of even one tooth occurs, the structure, function, and health of the mouth is affected, and the patients’ oral health is at risk. Because of this, addressing missing teeth promptly is crucial. When the loss occurs between healthy teeth, the most appropriate solution is likely a dental bridge.

Either dental implants or dental crowns can be used to support a bridge. We will explain the difference between these two options to help our patients in San Francisco, and beyond, make an informed decision.

Dental bridges supported by crowns

A traditional dental bridge is typically anchored to the healthy teeth adjacent to the gap. The teeth are shaped and covered with dental crowns to ensure the strength and health of these teeth, because they will act as support for the restoration. The process begins by reducing the anchor teeth to accommodate the crowns. Impressions of the prepared teeth and mouth are taken and used to design the bridge. The replacement teeth are fused between the crowns to fill the space left by missing teeth. There are advantages and disadvantages to this type of restoration.

Advantages – The treatment is quick and easy. This non-invasive treatment can usually be completed in a couple of weeks with just two appointments. This is the most affordable option.

Disadvantages – The biggest drawback to this option is that two teeth that are likely healthy must be significantly altered. Additionally, the loss of tooth roots is not addressed, which can lead to bone loss in the jaw.

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Dental bridges supported by implants

Dental implants are small posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone. The bone fuses with the implant, creating an extremely strong foundation for a restoration. The multi-step process involves placing the implant and, after a period of healing, an abutment (connector) is attached to the implant. In the final step, the restoration is placed on the abutment. There are advantages and disadvantages to this option as well.

Advantages – Dental implants are more comfortable and secure, and longer lasting than any other restoration. They function, look, and feel like natural teeth, and they are just as easy to care for. Additionally, implants replace the tooth root, which preserves the integrity of the jawbone.

Disadvantages – The biggest disadvantage to implants is the lengthy procedure. It can take 6 to 12 months to complete. Additionally, the cost of implant supported dental bridges is significantly higher than the type supported by dental crowns.

Dr. Arellano and his team work with patients in San Francisco and the surrounding areas to help them find the best option to meet their needs, schedule, and budget. Call 415-881-4343 and schedule an appointment today.

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Before and After Photos

Old Bonding and Chipped Tooth Repaired With Porcelain Restorations

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What our patients are saying...

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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

"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.