Periodontics
Dr. Farshid Ariz, DMD provides periodontics at Northridge Dental Group.Healthy gums are the foundation for a healthy smile. Gum disease does not just affect your teeth. It has also been linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. At Northridge Dental Group, periodontal care means catching problems early, treating them at the source, and protecting your smile for years to come.
Signs you may have periodontal disease
Gum disease mainly affects the gums, but it can spread to the bone and eventually lead to tooth loss. Catching it early makes treatment far simpler.
Noticing one or more of these does not automatically mean you have periodontal disease, but it is worth having checked. An exam can tell you where things actually stand.
Treatment that starts where you are
Exam and evaluation
Dr. Ariz checks gum pocket depth, bone support, and overall gum health to understand exactly what is happening before recommending any treatment.
Start with the least invasive option
For many patients, that means scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar below the gumline so gums can heal and reattach.
Ongoing maintenance
More frequent periodontal cleanings help keep gum disease from coming back, with a schedule built around your specific gum health.
Patient stories
Real patients talking about their experience with our periodontal team.
Patient testimonial
Patient testimonial
Patient testimonial
Specialty care, without leaving the practice
Dr. Farshid Ariz brings more than 30 years of experience to periodontal care, along with an ongoing academic role at the USC Ostrow School of Dentistry. Patients get specialized gum treatment from a board-certified periodontist, without ever needing an outside referral.
Northridge Dental Group has served San Fernando Valley families since 1974. That same comfort-first approach applies here too, especially for patients who feel anxious about periodontal treatment.
Dr. Ariz also treats jaw pain and sleep-related concerns through dental sleep medicine and craniofacial pain care, all from the same practice.
Frequently asked questions
Periodontics is the dental specialty focused on the gums and the bone that support your teeth. Dr. Farshid Ariz, DMD is a board-certified periodontist at Northridge Dental Group, diagnosing and treating gum disease to help patients maintain a stable, healthy foundation for their smile.
Common signs include bleeding gums when you brush or floss, redness or swelling, persistent bad breath, and gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth. If you notice any of these, it is worth scheduling an exam. Catching gum disease early makes treatment simpler.
Most periodontal treatment, including scaling and root planing, is done with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Dr. Ariz and the team at Northridge Dental Group focus on a comfort-first approach for every patient, especially those who feel anxious about dental visits.
Patients being treated for gum disease often need periodontal maintenance every three to four months, rather than the typical six-month cleaning schedule. Dr. Ariz will recommend a specific interval based on your gum health and how your treatment is progressing.
Early gum disease, called gingivitis, can often be reversed with treatment and consistent oral hygiene. More advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, cannot be fully reversed, but it can be managed and controlled with the right care to protect your teeth long term.
Northridge Dental Group accepts most major PPO dental plans, and many plans include some coverage for periodontal treatment. Coverage varies by plan and by the specific treatment needed, so our team can help verify your benefits before any procedure begins.
Ready to protect your smile?
Dr. Ariz and the team at Northridge Dental Group are ready to help with gum health concerns big or small. Most major PPO dental plans are accepted, and new patients are always welcome.