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:
Kind and Professional
A kind and professional practice where the most anxious individual is made to feels comfortable and isRead more “Kind and Professional”
Caring & Friendly
Fantastic office!!! Everyone is very professional, caring and friendly. I would highly recommend Dr. Van Dyke and his team of wonderfulRead more “Caring & Friendly”
Excellent Experience
I had an excellent experience at Island Tower as a new customer. The hygienists and Dr. Van Dyke spent a significant amount of time reviewing my X-Rays and explaining the steps they were taking while they were doing them. I am very happy with their thorough examination and overall upbeat and professionalRead more “Excellent Experience”
I Was Right At Home!
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!”
A Wonderful Job!
Dr. Van Dyke and his staff do a wonderful job. They are very personable, the office is nice and they are accommodating toRead more “A Wonderful Job!”
The Best
I’ve had many dentists over the years. These guys are the best. Friendly, efficient and more importantlyRead more “The Best”
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”
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”
A Great Experience!
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!”
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”
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”
Top Notch
I owned a dental lab for 25 years and I know a good dentist when see their work. This office is top notch from receptionist toRead more “Top Notch”
Explained Everything
Very professional and yet felt very comfortable with my hygienist. She explained everything and was asking if I was okay with the procedure. IRead more “Explained Everything”
An Awesome Job
I wish I had switched to Island Tower Dentistry sooner. I had to do periodontal root cleaning, and they did an awesome job. They have a keen eye on detail, and they did not exaggerate what my needs were in order to make more money. I’ll definitely recommend this office toRead more “An Awesome Job”
Nice and Accomodating
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!”
Outstanding Dental Practice!
Exceptionally Professional
Just had another session with Lorraine, a first class hygienist. As usual, she was exceptionally professional in her manner andRead more “Exceptionally Professional”
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”
Easy & Enjoyable!
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Thank You!!!
Like Family
This is a great office, all the staff it’s very nice, helpful, kind and very professional. Dr. Van Dyke is honest and friendly, treat you as family. Thank youRead more “Like Family”
Staff Couldn’t Be Nicer
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 “Staff Couldn’t Be Nicer”
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!”
First Class!
Just had a session with a first class hygienist. She was exceptionally professional in her manner andRead more “First Class!”
Can Recommend with Confidence
The Best
Absolutely the best cleaning I have had in years. Pleasant, professional and lots of options with no pressure. Highly recommend thisRead more “The Best”