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:
Amazing staff!
Love this place!! Amazing staff and they care so much for their patients. The doctors take time with you and really care for you. Thank you Island TowerRead more “Amazing staff!”
Above & Beyond
Bethany, the dental assistant at Island Tower Dentistry, goes above & beyond with everything she does. Her chairside manner makes patients feel extremely comfortable as well as confident with their treatment. Her knowledge about dentistry and assisting is awesome!! Highly recommend this office & their staff, especiallyRead more “Above & Beyond”
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”
Dr. Van Dyke is Amazing
Really nice place! All the staff are so kind, they have good technology, and Dr. Van Dyke is amazingRead more “Dr. Van Dyke is Amazing”
Kindness & Patience
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”
First Class!
Just had a session with a first class hygienist. She was exceptionally professional in her manner andRead more “First Class!”
Excellent Care
I am a physician and my wife is a nurse. We vet our healthcare providers in detail. Dr. Van Dyke, and his team at Island tower dentistry, Marco Island provided my family excellent care. They are safe, competent, kind andRead more “Excellent Care”
Outstanding & Professional
Excellent dental office with friendly and professional staff. Doctor wasRead more “Outstanding & Professional”
Very Professional
This office was great about squeezing me in same day. They quickly diagnosed my problem and were very professional. This will be my new dentist, as I just movedRead more “Very Professional”
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”
I Look Forward to My Next Visit!
The Best!
The best! I’ve been going to this place for 15 years and they just keep making the experience better and nicer. Courteous, kind, on-time, and top-notch. You cannot go wrong with Island TowerRead more “The Best!”
Always a Good Experience
Always a good experience! Ladies at Front desk are very pleasant and efficient and vey nice. Dental Hygienist is very good, always very positive and does a great job. The Dentist is very good, very nice and does an awesome job. I highly recommend them toRead more “Always a Good Experience”
One word. Surprising!
Thank you!
Thank you so much for the service of today! Cody is a great hygienist and the staff at Island Tower Dentistry isRead more “Thank you!”
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!”
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”
Experience was Great!
Dr. Van Dyke was very professional and the staff was knowledgeable and curious. My experience wasRead more “Experience was Great!”
Very Gentle & Professional
Dr. Van Dyke has a very gentle and professional way about him, and I had a great experience today. Getting my filling was almost entirely pain-free! I’ve been going to this practice for years and will continue to doRead more “Very Gentle & Professional”
Beautiful Office
Had my “introductory “ visit today. Tomorrow is teeth cleaning appt. The office is beautiful and the staff couldn’t be nicer. Dr Van Dyke was very Thorough And I’m looking forward to having him as myRead more “Beautiful Office”
Efficient and Pleasant
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 “Efficient and Pleasant”
A True Gem
Love every second! The best, kindest and greatest care. Cody was a true gem, Dr. Jonathan was so wonderful to work with! They have been great for our family of 7 & youngRead more “A True Gem”
Pleasant, Caring and Professional
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”
Skilled Dentist
Island Tower Dentistry has been our family dentist for more than twenty years. Great staff, excellent skilled dentist. I would recommend Dr. Schulze and his colleagues to anyone on or near Marco IslandRead more “Skilled Dentist”
Courteous & Professional
Dr. Van Dyke is a very courteous and professional dentist. His calming demeanor helps make every patient feel at ease. I definitely recommendRead more “Courteous & Professional”