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:
Long-Time Patient
I’ve been a patient of Island Tower Dentistry for 11 years now. Dr. Schulze and his staff have always gone above and beyond to ensure the best care possible. The level of professionalism far exceeds expectations and they make you feel right at home in a family orientedRead more “Long-Time Patient”
Wonderful Attitude
Great Experience!
Great experience for when we were in town for a short vacation and my son needed an emergency visit for a severe ache that started during theRead more “Great Experience!”
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”
The Best!
Love these professionals! From the front desk to Lorraine – the most thoughtful and caring RDH. They are the best on theRead more “The Best!”
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”
Thank you!
I was visiting Marco island when I started feeling extreme pain in one of my molars. They found a way to work me into their schedule for an initial visit and follow-up. They were all very kind and professional. ThankRead more “Thank you!”
I was Impressed.
Front desk was polite and punctual. My hygienist, Cody, was outstanding. She was thorough, professional, and skillful yet also personable. I wasRead more “I was Impressed.”
Efficient, Pleasant & Highly Competent
I was patched up and finished by 4:30. I was also pleased with the reasonable cost; especially for a call from a stranger just needing some help. Impressive office staff and young dentist.
Diligent, Proficient and Gentle
Had cleaning, exam and X-rays. Everything was first class. Dental tools were in autoclaved packets and X-ray pads were individually wrapped. My dad is an oral surgeon so I know the drill (pun intended). Veronica was diligent, proficient and gentle while cleaning. Already booked my nextRead more “Diligent, Proficient and Gentle”
The Best
Very good experience. Pleasant and knowledgeable staff and doctor. Got me in same day when I had pain and problems. I can’t recommend them more highly than to say that they are the best dental professionals I have everRead more “The Best”
Friendly and Professional
Excellent Experience
Nice and Accomodating
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!”
Courteous and Gentle
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 “Courteous and Gentle”
Staff was Fabulous!
Entire staff was fabulous on my recent visit. Dr. Van Dyke and his team were able to see me quickly to assess a toothache. Professional and thoughtful in theirRead more “Staff was Fabulous!”
I Was Right At Home!
Everyone is Friendly
I love the team at this office. Everyone is always so friendly and happy to see you. Dr. Van Dyke puts me at ease and is so gentle. It makes going to the dentist aRead more “Everyone is Friendly”
Incredibly Professional!
Incredibly professional, competent and friendly. Always on time and always give the highest level of care and customerRead more “Incredibly Professional!”
Five Stars & More
Every appointment has been timely, the staff are providers of excellent client service. Dr. Van Dyke and his dental assistants provide extraordinary dental care in an efficient and timely manner with the most up to date equipment available in the field today. Island Tower Dentistry deserves all five stars andRead more “Five Stars & More”
Courteous and 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 “Courteous and Gentle Care”
Fabulous!
I had my scheduled teeth cleaning today November 2nd With Cody the hygienist who was fabulous. Also I was examined by doctor Van Dyck who noted a few things for us to watch. The whole staff is very efficient and pleasant to deal it. Thank you island towerRead more “Fabulous!”
The Best!
Very happy with results. Staff is the best. Dr. Van Dyke does fillers asRead more “The Best!”
I Highly Recommend
Dr Van Dyke is an excellent dentist and he has a very well run office. Cody and Lorraine are excellent hygienists. I highly recommend this dentalRead more “I Highly Recommend”
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!”
Wonderful Practice!
Service & Staff were Amazing
Service and staff were amazing! Very polite andRead more “Service & Staff were Amazing”
Amazing Dental Office
Fast & Painless
Was scheduled for a cleaning and asked about possibly smoothing out a chip. Cleaning was fast sand painless. Doctor came in to take a look and fixed my chip in mins! Island tower dentistry really cares about their patients and provides greatRead more “Fast & Painless”