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:
Joyful Experience
Best Possible Hands!
Very Impressed
I had a cleaning today and I have to say I am very impressed with the front staff and with Codi who is myRead more “Very Impressed”
He Really Cares
Great Dentist and office!! He really cares about his patients and does a great job on treating your teeth. Also, I felt the office is very clean and a calming environment. I would truly recommend goingRead more “He Really Cares”
Exceptional Experience
Professional & Compassionate
Haven’t met Dr. Van Dyke yet, but Dr. Schulze is a complete professional & compassionate person thru-and-thru and the team he put together is hard to top. Yeni is the most comprehensive, knowledgeable, & detail-oriented hygienist ever. She keeps me inRead more “Professional & Compassionate”
You Won’t be Disappointed
Truly Amazing
Their inviting caring nature, conservative treatment and personal interest in every single patient in accordance with the support of an amazing dedicated team is a truly amazing experience. If I ever considered going back to full time private practice this would be the place for me! Love Island Tower Dental, the Doctors and the superior team! You should really get to know them. Do yourself a favor and call Angela or Jessica for more information. I promise you will never have a better dental experience nor be disappointed!
So Glad I Chose His Team
I had several dentists recommended to me and after reviewing all of them, went with Dr. Van Dyke. I am terrified of dentists! The dentist and his staff are wonderful. They made sure I was doing okay along the treatment. I am so glad I chose his team. Oh and Bethany wasRead more “So Glad I Chose His Team”
Kindness & Patience
A+ Experience
Dr. Van Dyke is very friendly and super handsome. All the staff are smiling and helpful. A+ experience and highlyRead more “A+ Experience”
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”
Service was Incredible!
I went for an issue with my retainers, and I loved the place. The service was incredible, the materials were state-of-the-art, and the doctor was very skilled, making me feel secure and with a great personality! I will definitely go there whenever I have any dentalRead more “Service was Incredible!”
Warmth & Attentiveness
Dr. Schulze, his team of dental assistants, and hygienists are exceedingly professional and gentle with the care of each patient. They form relationships with their clients which is something I find lacking in most medial/dental facilities these days. They make you feel comfortable asking questions and are eager to make the experience positive.
They have the most modern equipment and technology giving each patient the best possible care available. Their facility is immaculate and clean. I feel lucky to have found this gem of a dental practice!
I Recommend to Everyone
Great dentist on our little island. Modern, full services and comprehensive knowledge of the latest techniques. I recommend them toRead more “I Recommend to Everyone”
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”
Best Experience
Dr. Van Dyke and his team are the best experience I had. They are professionals, knowledgeable, and friendly. Dr. Van Dyke and his team are always willing to help and give you the best comfortableRead more “Best Experience”
Doctor and Staff are Top Notch
I called Dr. Van Dyke’s office and explained my emergency situation. I was then told to come right over and would be squeezed in. My problem was then rectified very quickly. All future options were explained in detail. Doctor and staff are topRead more “Doctor and Staff are Top Notch”
A Brilliant Dentist
A brilliant dentist whose sagacity and perspicacity are only exceeded by his dexterity and demonstrable skill andRead more “A Brilliant Dentist”
Improved My Regular Cleanings
This office is run very efficiently. Scheduling appointments is easy as well. There are great hygienists who have had great ideas for ways to improve my regular cleanings. Dr VanDyke is friendly and does very goodRead more “Improved My Regular Cleanings”
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”
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”
So Personable and Caring
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!”
Dentist who Cares
Very Satisfied Customer
I’ve been a customer of Island Tower Dentistry for well over 14 years. I’ve never been disappointed and have had excellent service. Dr. Van Dyke is very professional and a wonderful replacement for Dr. Schulze. Very satisfiedRead more “Very Satisfied Customer”
Very Pleased
Me Teeth Look Great!
I had a great experience on 9/21/23 with Veronica as my hygienist I felt very comfortable and confident with her skills. She was very attentive, gentle and understanding of my anxiety due to past dental experiences. My teeth look great! The entire office is friendly andRead more “Me Teeth Look Great!”
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”