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:
Personable and Friendly!
I owned a dental lab for 25 years and I know a good dentist when I see their work. This office is top notch from receptionist to doctors. Very thorough and meticulous. Everyone is very personable and friendly. If you are looking for top notch dental care, this is the place forRead more “Personable and Friendly!”
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!”
Love These Professionals!
Love these professionals! From the front desk to Lorraine – the most thoughtful and caring RDH. They are the best on theRead more “Love These Professionals!”
Caring and Friendly
Top Notch
The dentists at Island Tower Dentistry are top notch. When visiting family I’m Florida I had dental issues that required immediate attention, our family called their dentist and they were able to squeeze me in the next day. I certainly wish they were closer to home, I’d use them for all of my dentistryRead more “Top Notch”
I Highly Recommend
My first procedure by Dr. Van Dyke went so well. He is very kind and caring; conscious of your comfort and wellbeing. Although my procedure took over an hour, I was comfortable and entertained by the under the sea video playing on a large screen. I highly recommend Dr. Van Dyke for your dentalRead more “I Highly Recommend”
Wonderful Practice!
I Highly Recommend Him.
Dr. Vandyke is the man. Super knowledgeable and very kind. I highly recommendRead more “I Highly Recommend Him.”
Caring and Compassionate
Cody is a very good hygienist and super nice! Dr. VanDyke is also extremely nice, caring andRead more “Caring and Compassionate”
The Best!
Had my regularly scheduled dental appointment this morning. As usual no waiting. Cody was great and Dr Van Dyke is theRead more “The Best!”
The Best
Dr Van Dyke and his professionals are incredible! Best dentist and dental office I’ve everRead more “The Best”
Diligent and Proficient!
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 and Proficient!”
Staff is Awesome!
Best Dentist on Marco. The staff is awesome. Cody is my Dental Hygienist. I have my teeth cleaned every three months. I was telling her I think I’d rather have my teeth cleaned than have a massageRead more “Staff is Awesome!”
Nice and Very Attentive
Everyone was so nice and very attentive. The dentist gave me suggestions on what is best for me. I will be going back forRead more “Nice and Very Attentive”
Superior Service
Very friendly staff. Quick and efficient, no long waiting time in the lobby. Affordable. Superior service. HighlyRead more “Superior Service”
Wonderful Attitude
The Best I Have Had!
A fantastic office. I have never had such a great experience at a dental office before. From the staff up front to my experience getting some fillings done was the best I haveRead more “The Best I Have Had!”
Friendly, Accommodating, & Outstanding
5 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 “5 Stars & More”
True Professionals
Warm, friendly staff, state of the art technology and five star practice. TrueRead more “True Professionals”
Friendly & Skillful
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”
Delightful and Efficient
Dental cleaning with Lorraine, new to the practice, was excellent. She is a great addition to the team. As always, the front office staff are delightful and efficient. We’ve been patients of the practice for many years and Dr Van Dyke has led a goodRead more “Delightful and Efficient”
Dedicated Attention!
Very professional, 100% recommended. The special, friendly and dedicated attention of the assistant Isabel is theRead more “Dedicated Attention!”
Dentist You Can Trust
Very Informative and Disarming
Total staff was very friendly and helpful, Cody was wonderful putting me at ease while attending to my needs ,very informative andRead more “Very Informative and Disarming”
Really Enjoyed My Visit
Great office and team. Really enjoyed my visit with Dr. Van Dyke, and his assistant Sofia was great. Highly recommendRead more “Really Enjoyed My Visit”