Dentistry for Diabetics
Island Tower Dentistry
Dentistry for Diabetics
Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of getting gum disease and infections, with poor blood sugar control increasing the likelihood of gum problems. Gum disease is often painless and you may not even know you have it until it has already started causing serious damage. The best defense diabetics have against gum disease is regular dental visits.
Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes can cause: burning sensations, overgrowth of gum tissue, abnormal wound healing, tooth decay, periodontal disease, fungal infections, fruity (acetone) breath, dry mouth, and thickness of saliva. These problems are usually related to oral changes that occur in people who have diabetes.
Diabetic Dentistry in Marco Island
Island Tower Dentistry has been successfully treating its diabetic patients for many years and strives to make dental care a safe and uneventful treatment regime for them. Therefore, when you schedule your visit to our office, plan to follow the recommendations included in our “dental procedures” below.
Your Dental Procedure
- Inform Dr. Van Dyke, Dr. Whelen, and the staff about your diabetes. Also, share any problems with infections or trouble keeping your blood sugar levels under control.
- Eat before you go to the dental office. The best time for dental work is when your blood sugar level is in a normal range and your diabetes medicine action is low. If you take insulin, a morning visit after a normal breakfast is best.
- Take your usual medicines before your dental visit, unless one of our dentists or your physician tells you to change your dose for dental treatment. Island Tower Dentistry will consult with your physician to decide about adjustments in your diabetes medicine or to decide if an antibiotic is needed before treatment to prevent infection.
- Stick to your normal meal plan after your dental treatment. If you can’t chew well, plan beforehand how you will get the calories you need. You may need to eat more soft or liquid foods until you can chew normally.
- If your diabetes is in poor control, wait to have dental treatment until your blood sugar is in better shape. You will need to consult with your physician, Dr. Van Dyke, and Dr. Whelen.
In order to make your dental treatment routine and relaxed, tell us:
- The frequency of your low blood-sugar episodes.
- The medications used, dosage and frequency.
- The timing of your last meal prior to the appointment.
- How often you have glucose testing and your last known level of glycosolated hemoglobin (Hb1ac, with a level higher than 6% indicating poorly controlled diabetes).
- Ask for shorter appointments rather than longer ones.
- We have small snacks available in our office to help you control your blood sugar levels if they should drop.
- Together, we can work as a team to help keep your dental health at its strongest!
Contact Island Tower Dentistry
Dr. Van Dyke, Dr. Whelen, and their qualified team of dental hygienists, dental assistants, and office support staff are ready to assist you with all of your dental needs. To contact Island Tower Dentistry regarding a dental concern or to make an appointment, call 239-394-1004. Our office is conveniently located at 606 Bald Eagle Drive, Suite 200, Marco Island, Florida 34145.
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WHAT OUR PATIENTS HAVE TO SAY:
Very Pleasant Experience
Exceptional Experience
So Glad I Found Them
They have been the most accommodating dentist practice that I ever dealt with! I am so glad I foundRead more “So Glad I Found Them”
Excellent Care
Can’t say that going to the dentist is one of my favorite things to do but I can say that Dr. Schulze and his crew make it less stressful and really seem to care about doing it right. I highly recommend this practice to anyone looking for excellentRead more “Excellent Care”
Thank You!!!
Very Pleased
As is always the case, the staff were friendly, efficient, and caring. I am very pleased with the oral care I am receiving from IslandRead more “Very Pleased”
Great Results
I had a very good experience every time I was there, I had a lot of work done great results, they respond promptly for emergency calls and visit , I highly recommend dr van dyke and hisRead more “Great Results”
Above and Beyond
Superior Service
Very friendly staff. Quick and efficient, no long waiting time in the lobby. Affordable. Superior service. HighlyRead more “Superior Service”
Exceptionally Professional
Just had another session with Lorraine, a first class hygienist. As usual, she was exceptionally professional in her manner andRead more “Exceptionally Professional”
Best Treatment
Wonderful Staff & Doctor
Wonderful staff and Dr! I had my first ever root canal and crown done at ITD. The fitment and procedure was top notch using the latest technology. I also had a dental cleaning from Gloria. She was very pleasant and informative. Would recommend to anyone visiting or living in theRead more “Wonderful Staff & Doctor”
She is the Best!
Lorraine has worked on my teeth 3 or 4 times and has also been very professional and does a remarkable job. She is theRead more “She is the Best!”
Great Office, Great Staff, and Great Experience.
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On Time and Efficient
Friendly, clean office. On time and efficient also. Lorraine was a great dental hygienist. Overall a very positive experience. Will keep going back. Met Dr. Van Dyke last visit – also veryRead more “On Time and Efficient”
Thumbs Up!
This is one of the best dentist office i enjoy going too for the past 3 years now. The receptionist area is the best and makes u want to continue going back. Thumbs up team. Still theRead more “Thumbs Up!”
Delightful Staff!
Friendly professional service. Appointment times are promptly met. Highly recommend. Always pleasantly surprised how delightful the entire staff is to dealRead more “Delightful Staff!”
All is Well!
Needed to get a new temporary crown while on holiday. and I received great service from Island Tower Dentists. Very responsive and great to deal with. Crown is replaced so all isRead more “All is Well!”
Very Good Experience
Was a very good experience, very friendly and made my first visit a good one. Plan on using them for all my dentists needs onRead more “Very Good Experience”
Environment is Beautiful
The staff is very friendly and the environment is beautiful, relaxing and clean. I would recommend Dr. Van Dyke to anyone due to his professional background and how he serves hisRead more “Environment is Beautiful”
Gentle Care
As with every visit, I have received courteous and gentle care (and painless shots) from these dental professionals. I recommend Island Tower Dentistry to one andRead more “Gentle Care”
Was Not Disappointed!
Highly Recommend to Anyone
I would highly recommend this office to anyone. Courteous, professional, caring and friendly. They got me in the same day I called. I will definitely go there again. GreatRead more “Highly Recommend to Anyone”
Friendliest Employees
Island Tower by far has the friendliest employees. They always take care of me whenever I go there. Just like everyone else I dread going to the dentist, but here they really do make a difference! I highly recommend thisRead more “Friendliest Employees”
Everyone is Caring
Excellent! Everyone is caring and explains all the procedures to you. Dr. Van Dyke is simply theRead more “Everyone is Caring”
This Place is Great
Caring & Friendly
Fantastic office!!! Everyone is very professional, caring and friendly. I would highly recommend Dr. Van Dyke and his team of wonderfulRead more “Caring & Friendly”
Friendly & Skillful
Everyone is Welcoming
Everyone at the office is welcoming and do their jobs well. Like everyone there but glad I only see them several times a year for teethRead more “Everyone is Welcoming”