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:
Great Experience.
If anyone is looking for a dental office where you are treated like a patient not a customer, where comfort and quality are at the best, and a team that cares then this is the place for you. GreatRead more “Great Experience.”
State of the Art
The staff is very professional and friendly. Dr. Van Dyke delivers a state of the art knowledge base to the practice. I highly recommend theirRead more “State of the Art”
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”
Staff is Outstanding!
Cody is absolutely the best . Her attention to detail is without equal.
She is a complete dental hygienist.
She takes time to explain what’s happening.
She makes certain that you are satisfied when she finishes the appointment
She has the ability to balance a friendly and professional demeanor in an exceptional manner.
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 you want to continue going back. Thumbs upRead more “Thumbs Up”
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 IslandRead more “Very Pleased”
Highly Recommend
Excellent care and suggested modifications to my self-care. I highly recommend Dr. Van Dyke and his entireRead more “Highly Recommend”
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”
Excellent service!
Excellent service, wonderful caring staff. Made actually going to the dentist a comfortableRead more “Excellent service!”
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!”
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”
Enjoy Going to the Dentist
Cody is great! She has a great patient manner, and makes you feel comfortable the whole time. Makes me enjoy going to theRead more “Enjoy Going to the Dentist”
Excellent Care
Dr. Van Dyke runs a truly professional office. All of his staff are very competent and accommodating to his patients. I have received excellentRead more “Excellent Care”
I Feel So Relieved
Dr. Van Dyke and his entire office staff were extremely friendly and professional. As a new patient with a lost filling, they immediately worked me into their schedule, and Dr. Van Dyke painlessly and perfectly repaired my tooth. I feel so relieved to have found such a great dentist and caring officeRead more “I Feel So Relieved”
Outstanding Job
Tanya did an outstanding job cleaning my teeth. I’ve been going there for years and can attest to the fact that they are excellent, professional, caring, and willing to help no matter theRead more “Outstanding Job”
Caring and Compassionate
Cody is a very good hygienist and super nice! Dr. VanDyke is also extremely nice, caring andRead more “Caring and Compassionate”
NO Pain
Patient and Gentle
Everyone is very nice and professional. Lorraine, my hygienist, is so wonderful. She is patient and gentle and always checks to be sure I am doing ok when she is working on me. Very friendly staff, clean offices and Dr. Van Dyke is veryRead more “Patient and Gentle”
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 highlyRead more “Makes You Feel Very Comfortable”
Excellent Experience!
Had a great experience getting my teeth cleaned at Island Tower. Veronica was very thorough with my hygiene exam and took extra time to check my gums and all aspects of my oral health. Never felt rushed like I have when I went to a corporate dental office. Dr. Van Dyke is very nice and knowledgeable about anything dental related. They treat you like a family member here, which is becoming more and more rare nowadays.
Loved My Visit
Loved my visit with Island Tower Dentistry! Glad I chose to come here after recently moving to Marco. I highly, highly suggest asking for Lorraine to be your hygienist – she’s so kind, friendly, and meticulous with herRead more “Loved My Visit”
Dr. Van Dyke was Amazing
Highly recommended! I had a dental emergency. They got me right in and even discounted the exam price! Dr Van Dyke was amazing. He even called me the next the day to make sure I was feeling ok! They just gained a newRead more “Dr. Van Dyke was Amazing”
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!”
Above and Beyond
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!”
Skilled & Respectful
Island Tower is always a positive experience! Cheerful, conscientious, skilled and respectful the entire staff gets 5Read more “Skilled & Respectful”
Superb Dental Work
Dr. Van Dyke, the hygenicists, and the staff are terrific. They all let you know what they think you need and enable you to make the decisions that make sense to you. Their actual dental work is superb. We’re lucky they are onRead more “Superb Dental Work”
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!”
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!”