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:
Takes Pride in Patient Care
Easy In & Out
1st experience was great. Spotless office. Easy in & out. Fast to get into the dental chair. Staff & Dr were excellent! Too bad I needed their services but I feel comfortable with their effectiveness & knowledge.
An Excellent Experience
Excellent experience getting my teeth cleaned. The staff are all very considerate, pleasant and knowledgeable.
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 have had!
Very Professional
This office was great about squeezing me in same day. They quickly diagnosed my problem and were very professional. This will be my new dentist, as I just moved here:).
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 for you.
Diligent, Proficient and Gentle
Had cleaning, exam and X-rays. Everything was first class. Dental tools were in autoclaved packets and X-ray pads were individually wrapped. My dad is an oral surgeon so I know the drill (pun intended). Veronica was diligent, proficient and gentle while cleaning. Already booked my next appointment.
No Pain
Details aren’t necessary, they take care of them, No pain, all gain.
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.
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 satisfied customer.
Friendly, Attentive and Polite
Better Overall Health
Lorraine is the Best, she helps me keep my mouth healthy and that has left to better overall health. Thank you so much Lorraine.
Delightful and Efficient
Dental cleaning with Lorraine, new to the practice, was excellent. She is a great addition to the team. As always, the front office staff are delightful and efficient. We’ve been patients of the practice for many years and Dr Van Dyke has led a good transition.
Caring & Friendly
Fantastic office!!! Everyone is very professional, caring and friendly. I would highly recommend Dr. Van Dyke and his team of wonderful ladies.
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 the trip.
Always a Good Experience
Always a good experience! Ladies at Front desk are very pleasant and efficient and vey nice. Dental Hygienist is very good, always very positive and does a great job. The Dentist is very good, very nice and does an awesome job. I highly recommend them to anyone!
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 the dentist!
Joyful Experience
Helpful and Knowledgeable
I am very pleased with Dr. Van Dyke and his office staff. Angela, greets you with a friendly smile and is always very helpful and knowledgeable. Dr. Van Dyke is courteous, attentive and highly professional.
Excellent Experience
The Best
Dr Van Dyke and his professionals are incredible! Best dentist and dental office I’ve ever used.
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 very personable.
Highly Recommend
Excellent care and suggested modifications to my self-care. I highly recommend Dr. Van Dyke and his entire staff.
Will Never Go Anyplace Else
Will never go anyplace else!! They are the best and Cody is an exceptional hygienist!!
True Professionals
Warm, friendly staff, state of the art technology and five star practice. True professionals.
Always a Good Experience
5/5⭐
Excellent experience. 100% recommended. 24/7 availability and kindness. Cody was great. 5/5 👍
Excellent Care
Can’t say that going to the dentist is one of my favorite things to do but I can say that Dr. Schulze and his crew make it less stressful and really seem to care about doing it right. I highly recommend this practice to anyone looking for excellent care.
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 and professional.
Knowledgeable and Kind
Cody did an excellent job! She is the best hygienist I’ve had, very knowledgeable and kind. DR VAN Dyke is Great! Thank you for everything