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. Garcia, 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. Garcia.
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. Garcia, 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:
Found My New Dentist!
I had seen another dentist on the Island who was anything but honest. He was rushing to extract a tooth from 30 years ago that had a cyst and replace it with an implant. He was also recommending 2 root canals of the adjoining teeth. He presented my situation as urgent and caused unnecessary worry and cost by sending me to see “his” Endodontist. I ended up paying for yet another consult with a new Endodontist of my choice as I wanted a scan to prove these procedures were necessary —they were not according to the e-xrays.
Needless to say, I was nervous for my appointment at Island Tower Dentistry. However, I had a fantastic experience! Angela welcomed me in a very friendly manner.
I was also quite impressed with my hygienist, Lorraine. She was very helpful in putting me at ease. She seemed genuinely concerned about my situation and allowed me to provide the every detail since they set aside 2 hours for your first visit. She is personable, sweet and did a thorough job cleaning my teeth.
Dr. Van Dyke was extremely kind, thorough and listened intently to my concerns. During the physical examination he assured me that everything appeared to be fine, but wanted to review the scan and said he would follow up with a phone call. The very next morning he called to say that he also believe it was low risk and to monitor the situation of the cyst. And I do not need two root canals. I have complete confidence in Dr. Van Dyke and you should too!
I am happy to have found my new dentist and my new hygienist!
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”
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”
Quick and Flawless
I live on the southeast coast of Florida but on a recent trip to Marco Island I a crown fell off . I called Island Tower Dentistry and Dr. Van Dyke got me in within a few hours and flawlessly, quickly and painlessly recemented my crown. A greatRead more “Quick and Flawless”
Best Experience
This was the best experience I’ve ever had at the dentist. From reception to x-ray to hygienist, Dr. Van Dyke and his staff communicate extremely well and are the most thorough and detail oriented team I’ve ever experienced.
My wife will sign up as a new patient today and I will highly recommend Island Tower Dentistry.
Top-Notch Dental Care
I owned a dental lab for 25 years and I know a good dentist when I see their work. This office is top notch from receptionists to doctors. Very thorough and meticulous. Everyone is very personable and friendly. If you are looking for top-notch dental care, this is the place forRead more “Top-Notch Dental Care”
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”
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”
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”
As the Former Owner…
Accommodating and Efficient!
As this was an emergency visit found the office to be accommodating, efficient and more importantly punctual. The attending dentist Dr. Garcia clearly explained the immediate issue at hand and discussed options in dealing/treating theRead more “Accommodating and Efficient!”
The Best
Very good experience. Pleasant and knowledgeable staff and doctor. Got me in same day when I had pain and problems. I can’t recommend them more highly than to say that they are the best dental professionals I have everRead more “The Best”
NO Pain
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”
Pleased to be a Patient!
I’d Recommend to Anyone
Very professional. Very satisfied. I would recommend Dr. Van Dyke toRead more “I’d Recommend to Anyone”
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 “Gentle Care”
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 isRead more “Staff is Fantastic”
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 theRead more “Glad to go Back!”
A+ Experience
Dr. Van Dyke is very friendly and super handsome. All the staff are smiling and helpful. A+ experience and highlyRead more “A+ Experience”
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!”
Can’t Say Enough Good Things
I had a great experience, Gloria is the best hygienist ever. Professional, personable, efficient, and very thorough. I can’t say enough good things about Gloria, Dr. Van Dyke and the rest of theRead more “Can’t Say Enough Good Things”
Clean and Calming
Highly Recommend!
Wonderful new patient experience! My hygienist Lorraine was friendly and gentle, which made the cleaning very comfortable. The doctor took his time with me answering questions and concerns. HighlyRead more “Highly Recommend!”
Joyful Experience
Outstanding as Always
I saw Cody for my regular cleaning and the service was outstanding as always. I have never seen a doctors office like this where all the staff are friendly and helpful. I highly recommend Island TowerRead more “Outstanding as Always”
Extremely Pleased
Dr. Van Dyke is a caring and knowledgeable dentist. Extremely pleased with myRead more “Extremely Pleased”
Very Satisfied Customer
I’ve been a customer of Island Tower Dentistry for well over 14 years. I’ve never been disappointed and have had excellent service. Dr. Van Dyke is very professional and a wonderful replacement for Dr. Schulze. Very satisfiedRead more “Very Satisfied Customer”