Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Gum disease has two primary stages. If diagnosed and treated in the first stage, the condition can be reversed and tooth loss can usually be prevented. In order to prevent gum disease,practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups twice a year.
This stage only affects the soft tissue of the gums, and the patient may not experience any discomfort. Although the symptoms may be very mild, it is important to diagnose gum disease in this early stage before it progresses to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is the name for more advanced periodontal disease and if permitted to progress to this point, not only the gums are affected but the bone structures supporting the teeth will be compromised.
A build-up of bacteria causes Gingivitis. In its early stages, inflammation around the gums is observable, with gum tissues appearing red and swollen. Gums that are easily irritated or that bleed during tooth brushing indicate the presence of Gingivitis. Removal of the plaque buildup is necessary to prevent the development of gum disease.
As the gums become more inflamed, they start to pull away from the teeth, forming spaces known as periodontal pockets. Food, bacteria, and plaque begin to collect in the pockets, leading to infection. The surrounding bone becomes damaged both by bacterial toxins and by the immune systemsresponse to infection.
Located under the Goldstar Bridge, Bridgeworks Family Dental has provided multiple generations of Groton families with comprehensive dental care for 55 years. While the practice was started by Dr. McKeon and Dr. Curtiss, for the past 25 years Dr. Antonelli, Dr. Malahias, and Dr. Kim have continued to work together with their dedicated staff to fulfill the mission of Bridgeworks to provide quality dental care to the community.
Dr. Antonelli joined the practice in 1993. He is a 1991 graduate Stony Brook School of Dental medicine. He then went on to complete a one year dental residency at the Castle Point V.A. Hospital in Wappingers Falls NY. Dr. Antonelli is on staff at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in the department of general surgery. He is a member of the New London Dental Society and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dr. Antonelli enjoys all facets of dentistry including, cosmetic, restorative, implant and complex prosthodontic cases. Dr. Antonelli lives in Waterford Connecticut with his wife Kari-Ann and his two sons Vincent and Charlie. DR. Antonelli enjoys the outdoors and is active with the local boy scout troop. He enjoys hiking, backpacking, fishing, and hunting. In his spare time he enjoys the family tradition of wine making.
Dr. Malahias joined the practice in 1999. He is a Graduate of Stony Brook School of Dental Medicineand a classmate of Dr. Antonelli. Dr. Malahias completed a one year residency in general dentistry at St Charles hospital and Rehabilitation center in Port Jefferson NY. He spent several years working overseas and in the western United States before returning to the East Coast. Dr. Malahias has spent several years working on behalf of the celiac community researching the dental implications of celiac disease. He is also a diplomate of the American Academy of Dental sleep Medicine which focuses on the treatment of sleep apnea patients with an oral appliance. Dr. Malahias lives in Waterford with his wife Joanne and Daughter. Dr. Malahias enjoys travel and woodworking.
In 2000, Dr. Kim joined the practice. A graduate of the University Of Missouri School Of Dental Surgery, Dr. Kim completed a two year residency fellowship program at Columbia University in New York City. Dr.Kim received the Fellowship and Mastership awards from the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Kim has been trained in general orthodontics from the American Orthodontic Society and he is a Preferred Invisalign provider. Dr. Kim is a member of the American Dental association and the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In his spare time, Dr. Kim enjoys swimming, soccer, and Tae Kwon Do.
Dr. Antonelli lives in Waterford CT with his lovely wife Kari-Ann and two children Vincent and Charlie. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Biology from Pace University and received his general dentistry from the State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. He also completed a general practice residency at Castle Point VA hospital in New York. Dr Antonelli has been with Bridgeworks since 1993 and is on the staff of Lawrence & Memorial Hospitals Department of General Surgery. He is also a member of the New London County Dental Society.
Dr. Antonelli enjoys the outdoors, gardening, restoring vintage automobiles, and riding his motorcycle. He competes in triathlons ranging from Sprint to Ironman distance and enjoys cycling and is an avid marathon runner. In his spare time, he studies Chinese boxing and plays his bass guitar.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 489 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestKrystal Jones
a year ago
Have been going for a few years and my hygienist Nancy is so nice! Makes going to the dentist an easy thing to do.
James Wilkinson Jr.
a year ago
Very nervous about dental appointments and procedures, this appointment was very pleasant and while I know I need a lot of work it sounds like the office will help me make the best of what I can afford
Carol Merfeld
a year ago
Staff is great and helpful. Been going there for almost 40 years..
Joseph HUFFMAN
a year ago
I switched dentist to Bridgeworks dental and 100% happy Dr. Antonelli and the dental assistance and office staff are the best.
Nevine Roushdy
a year ago
My experience with Bridgeworks Family Dental was very complex. I liked Dr. Malahayas and how he took care of my son. But when I start to use his service, another hygienists took over since I didn't need more than cleaning. I was supposed to have 4 sessions, the first 2 went ok, but the third, the hygienist was so rude to me and she starts working early before the numbing starts, claiming that she has another patient after me and she was able to squeeze me in although I had an appointment. I started feeling pain and asked her to wait a while and she started to get annoyed and breathing loudly. She waited a minute and she started again, here when I start to scream from the tremendous pain and asked her to stop and that I will schedule another appointment with one of the previous hygienist. Obviously, she got offended. The manager came to me and she was apologizing and set another appointment for me. Next week, I received a letter from Dr. Malahayas- that I used to have great respect and appreciation for him- ending our relationship as dentist and a patient for me and my son due to being rude to the hygienist. I'm sure that Dr. Malahayas heard another story and not the truth from his employees to save themselves and that whoever wrote the letter was someone close to this hygienist that was really inhuman and brutal. My blame is for Dr. Malahayas that he didn't call me to hear the truth from my side before letting his employees writing this letter, he supposed to be well educated enough to investigate and don't believe and hear one side of the story. There are a lot of other dentists around that will appreciate my business, I really don't care about ending the service, I just cared for Dr. Malahayas and I felt disappointed from his reaction. He should be more aware. P.S. when I tried to call him, the receptionist didn't let me reach him..... clearly. Anyway, I have only one word for you Dr. Malahayas, if you believe your liars employees, you deserve to have them. Too bad...
Jodi Smith
a year ago
The most amazing experience. I was so nervous but ALL of the staff were kind, courteous and sympathetic. Dr. Kim is amazing and his assistant even held my hand. Trust me when I tell you, this the BEST practice I've ever been to. They are my dental office for life!
Jim and Dora Georgeady
a year ago
Very kind and friendly.
Elizabeth Brown
a year ago
Been coming here for years. Always a great experience!!
Thomas Hansen
a year ago
The staff is wonderful and would recommend friends
Pam Livingston
a year ago
Dr Kim is amazing. He is kind, professional and skilled. I hate going to the dentist but Dr Kim eases my fears and makes it ok
Rashad Choudhury
a year ago
The dentist is never a fun time for anyone, but Bridgeworks makes it as smooth as possible! Very friendly and attentive staff, very thorough cleanings, good advice on improving dental health, and if you've got Electric Boat dental coverage the visits are completely seamless!
Steven Briggs
a year ago
The team was professional and courteous.
Jacob Savarese
a year ago
Quick and effective
Dolores Barchi
a year ago
I love Bridgeworks. The hygienists are gentle but thorough, Dr. Antonella is wicked good and the office is well run. I would recommend them to anyone.
Margaret Beechey
a year ago
Everyone is so nice and professional would not change . I love Dr.Kim always pleasant very knowledgeable ok
David George
a year ago
Fast, friendly, efficient.
Alan White
a year ago
Friendly staff, expert dentistry at its finest. Great place to have dental work performed.
Elaine Dunay
a year ago
Dr. Kim is wonderful.
Jenn Alling
a year ago
Absolutely love them! Dr Malahias is so sweet and really is a great dentist!! I absolutely love his hygienist, she is always so nice! BEST I have experienced! Very professional!
Aleu E
a year ago
Had to go in for a deep cleaning and 100% satisfied with this facility. I'm a huge baby when it comes to going yo the dentist and this facility has turn my perception around! I actually look forward to my appointments! Liz is absolutely amazing
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