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
![smiling woman waits in dentist chair for dental work](/wp-content/themes/yootheme/cache/82/ITD-stock-image-resize-diabetic-dentistry-8222a637.jpeg)
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:
Easy & Enjoyable!
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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”
Exceptional Service
As a patient at Island Tower Dentistry I feel grateful for the safe and efficient way the office is run. They provide exceptional service and find same day appointments when needed. I highly recommend Island Tower Dentistry and Dr VanRead more “Exceptional Service”
Really Care About Patients
This dentist office is fantastic! Very friendly staff and a marvelous dentist who is up to date with the latest technology. They really care about their patients. I would highlyRead more “Really Care About Patients”
Provide Excellent Care
Winning Combination
Friendly front desk staff, knowledgeable hygienist and Dr Schulze. A winningRead more “Winning Combination”
The Entire Staff is Great
Excellent Service!
Excellent service. I was scared of going to the dentist but they gave me hope and motivation to work on my teeth. ThankRead more “Excellent Service!”
Skilled & Respectful
Island Tower is always a positive experience! Cheerful, conscientious, skilled and respectful the entire staff gets 5Read more “Skilled & Respectful”
Fabulous
I had my scheduled teeth cleaning today November 2nd With Cody the hygienist who Was fabulous. Also I was examined by doctor Van Dyke 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”
Pain Free
I am new to the area so was so pleased to find Island Tower Dentistry. All the staff is wonderful- friendly, knowledgeable. This practice uses the latest procedures & technology- painRead more “Pain Free”
Long-Time Patient
I’ve been a patient of Island Tower Dentistry for 11 years now. Dr. Schulze and his staff have always gone above and beyond to ensure the best care possible. The level of professionalism far exceeds expectations and they make you feel right at home in a family orientedRead more “Long-Time Patient”
Great Experience!
Great experience for when we were in town for a short vacation and my son needed an emergency visit for a severe ache that started during theRead more “Great Experience!”
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
Amazing Dentist and staff! Highly recommend Island TowerRead more “Highly Recommend”
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”
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!”
Couldn’t Ask for More
Lorraine is the best hygienist I have ever been to. She is professional, thorough and knowledgeable. Couldn’t ask forRead more “Couldn’t Ask for More”
Professional and Prompt
Professional, prompt, friendly, knowledgeable andRead more “Professional and Prompt”
Courteous and 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 andRead more “Courteous and Gentle Care”
Was Not Disappointed!
Friendliest Employees
Island Tower by far has the friendliest employees. They always take care of me whenever I go there. Just like everyone else I dread going to the dentist, but here they really do make a difference! I highly recommend thisRead more “Friendliest Employees”
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”
Dentist who Cares
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”
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”
10/10 Recommend
Beyond a Pleasant Experience
August 24, 2022
It is not often that one thinks of a visit to the dentist as a pleasant experience – but it can be. I just finished my cleaning and checking and all went well. Cody – my hygienist – was her typical professional and pleasant self. Angela and Hannah rounded out the visit – all-in-all pleasant experience. If you need dental care in the Marco Island area, you won’t do better. Thank you. I’ll be back.
May 25, 2022 –
Just finished a short appointment with Island Tower Dentistry. It pays to arrive a little early for me. Angela, Hanna, and Dr. Van Dyke got me right in and I was done in about 30 minutes. Great service. The folks are always very pleasant and cheerful. Makes a dentist visit a nice experience.
I have been using Island Tower Dentistry since 2013 – three time per year. My experience has always been great. With a couple of retirements since I first started coming to them, I want to acknowledge some of the new staff. Cody my, hygienist, does a great job. Very professional and personable. Angela, Hanna, and Hanna B. Teresa, and Gloria – and Dr. Van Dyke of course – make a great team. I can recommend them with confidence.
Just an updated from my last review. Today I had my cleaning and checking with Cody. She did her typical great job. The team is managing the challenges of Covid with efficiency and ease. I have booked my next appointment and hopefully the next time we will be beyond the mask and Covid plans. I can recommend the team at Island Tower Dentistry.
April 20th, 2022. Just had my cleaning and checking appointment at Island Tower Dentistry. If one can say it is a pleasure to go to the dentist, I will. We are fortunate to have access to top quality dental care and all the health benefits that come with it. Cody did her typical great job. Not only is she professional in her care, she is informative and personable throughout the process. Angela and Hanna rounded out the encounter with their friendly service. Now I’m good until the next appointment in 4 months. Thank you folks.
Very Positive Experience
Excellent Dentist
Dr Van Dyck is an excellent dentist and he has a very well run office. Cody and Lorraine are excellent hygienists. I highly recommend this dentalRead more “Excellent Dentist”