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.