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:
Best Cleanings Ever
The technician who worked on me is terrific. In the past few years best cleanings ever.
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 Island Tower!
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 and all.
Always a Good Experience
I have always had a good experience at Island Tower Dentistry since I began as a patient 3 years ago. I recently had a bad toothache when the office was closed and Dr. Van Dyke called me back within the hour and contacted a drug store for some antibiotics. He then got me into his office early the next day and after an exam contacted an oral surgeon who I was able to see a few hours later. I highly recommend Island Tower Dentistry.
Was Not Disappointed!
After years of putting off my routine cleaning, I finally made an appointment with Dr. Van Dyke and staff based upon a facebook recommendation. Well, I was not disappointed! The office was super clean, welcoming and instantly put me at ease. They spent so much time going over everything in detail and allowed me to ask questions. My cleaning was very gentle but thorough, and I left with a (clean) smile! Now to book an appointment for my husband and 5yr old daughter! I am confident they will have the same experience!
Great Service
Great Service, Friendly and attentive! Highly Recommend! Not a little shop of Horrors 🙂
I Highly Recommend Him.
Dr. Vandyke is the man. Super knowledgeable and very kind. I highly recommend him.
Especially Gifted
Very kind, caring and patient-centric pros. Dr Van Dyke is especially gifted. They’re now my Go To office for Dental work in SW Florida!
Dentist who Cares
Dr Van Dyke is wonderful! My teeth were fractured and in horrible condition. Dr van Dyke assessed my issues, made a plan of attack and over several months restored my smile and my teeth. He also did surgery on my gums to prevent tooth loss. All this was done painlessly! He is kind and a dentist that is serious about helping patients!
Will Never Go Anyplace Else
Will never go anyplace else!! They are the best and Cody is an exceptional hygienist!!
Friendly and Efficient!
I’ve had many dentists over the years. These guys are the best. Friendly, efficient and more importantly painless.
Extremely Pleased
Dr. Van Dyke is a caring and knowledgeable dentist. Extremely pleased with my visit.
You Cannot Go Wrong
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 Tower Dentistry.
Caring & Friendly
Fantastic office!!! Everyone is very professional, caring and friendly. I would highly recommend Dr. Van Dyke and his team of wonderful ladies.
Takes Pride in Patient Care
I haven’t been to the dentist in several years as I am extremely fearful and anxious. But Dr. Van Dyke and his staff made me feel very welcome and very calm. I had a wonderful cleaning and moving forward I could not recommend a better team to take care of my dental needs. They are trustworthy, reliable, responsible, and truly take pride in caring for their patients.
Dr. Van Dyke is Amazing
Really nice place! All the staff are so kind, they have good technology, and Dr. Van Dyke is amazing .
Excellent Experience
Excellent experience. 👍👍👍My mother was experiencing a dental emergency while visiting me, and Dr. Van Dyke and staff couldn’t have been sweeter to this 80 year old woman!They offered her a Christmas week appointment, they generously gave of their time and talent in order to make her feel comfortable and she wasn’t even a patient! She was the Mom of a patient.Outstanding! Thank you so much! Thanks also for calling the lab to see if a rush job would be possible and thanks for getting her back in to see you as soon as you returned from vacation. Oh my goodness! Above and beyond – kudos to doc and all staff! Merry Christmas to you all from my family to yours. To us, you folks were a Christmas miracle. Words cannot express our gratitude. Thank you 😊
Gave Me my Confidence Back
I have lived in fl for 20 years and island tower dentistry by far has some of the most professional staff that make you feel welcome and comfortable. I got my cleaning done by Gloria and May I say she gave me my confidence back.
Excellent service!
Excellent service, wonderful caring staff. Made actually going to the dentist a comfortable experienced.
I Will Come Back
I found it very professional, friendly , and caring. When I am in this area again I will come back.
Absolutely Phenomenal
This is really a great Dentist to visit here on Marco Island Florida, the cleaning tech was absolutely over-the-top phenomenal she did a great job and the dentist himself did a wonderful job I would recommend this practice to anyone.
Above and Beyond
Dr. Van Dyke and his staff really care about their patients. This is the third major procedure I have had done. I received excellent care above and beyond what I expected. It has been great to work through any issues I have had to keep my smile the best it can be no matter my age. I am pleased to recommend Dr. Van Dyke and the entire staff at Island Tower Dentistry.
Saw Us Right Away
On vacation here in Marco Island and Sunday night my fiancé got a tooth infection. Dr Van Dyke was kind enough to call back immediately and saw us right away Monday morning. His staff was also very very wonderful. Thank you guys!!!
Staff is Fantastic
Cody, my dental hygienist, is excellent. She is very skilled, thorough, conscientious, and kind. I highly recommend Cody. I could not be more pleased with the care and service I received today. The whole office staff is fantastic.
Highly recommended 🙂
What a great group of people to help you with dental issues.
Super caring, informative and gentle.
Highly recommended 🙂
Best on Marco Island
A dentist that works so hard to please patients with the best dental care, followup and service the best on Marco….
Personable and Thorough!
An excellent cleaning. Dr Van Dyke is very personable and thorough. It was a very pleasant experience. I Recommend them highly.
First Class!
Makes You Feel Very Comfortable
Knowledgeable, patient and makes you feel very comfortable. This is coming from a person who really doesn’t like pain. Like the step by step explanations as to what they are doing. Would highly recommend.
Glad to go Back!
Great first visit. Very thorough exam with clear explanation of all issues identified. Glad to go back and I usually avoid dentists like the plague.