Gum Disease DNA Testing
Island Tower Dentistry
Gum Disease DNA Testing
Gum infections and periodontal disease are among the most common ailments affecting people in the United States. More than 60% of North Americans over age 35 suffer from some form of periodontal disease, which has been linked to other health problems such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes and certain types of cancer.
Dr. Van Dyke and Dr. Whelen are dental professionals who believe that prevention is the best form of treatment. DNA testing for gum disease allows Island Tower Dentistry to determine a patient’s susceptibly to the disease and the best means for treating it.
How the DNA Test Works
Oral science has identified 13 different types of pathogens known to cause gum disease. When your immune system or oral health is under stress it increases the risk that those periodontal pathogens present. Some factors that can cause your oral health to wane are physical and emotional stress, hormone imbalances, smoking, infections, and asthma.
Signs You May Have Gum Disease

- Pervasive bad breath.
- Red or swollen gums.
- Tender or bleeding gums.
- Difficulty or pain while chewing.
- Loose or wiggling teeth.
- Longer looking teeth as a result of receding gums.
Up until recent times, periodontal disease could only be diagnosed for treatment through clinical signs and observable symptoms, a process that could take years as patients may not be aware of what symptoms constitute periodontal disease.
Now, with the utilization of DNA testing, Island Tower Dentistry has a proven method of identifying periodontal disease and determining how susceptible you may be to it, allowing us to act before the disease and symptoms can be spread any further.
Gum Disease DNA Test in Marco Island
The DNA test itself is painless and merely involves swabbing the inside of the cheek with a cotton swab. The sample is analyzed and the results show which oral bacteria are present in the patient. Using the results from the test, our dentists are able to diagnose and effectively treat gum disease.
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:
Staff was Wonderful
The office staff was wonderful. For the dentist they made it perfect and were well mannered. The CDH I had was Cody. I will say she was excellent. I told the doctor that he should give her a raise after putting up with me.
Outstanding as Always
A Winning Combination!
Friendly front desk staff, Cody is the best dental hygienist. She is knowledgeable, keeps my teeth looking great and has a great personality…. A winning combination!
A Terrific Job
From the greeting at reception to the pain of payment (no help from Novocaine), Dr. Van Dyke’s crew do a terrific job. Cody is a fantastic, skilled, caring hygienist…and painless!
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.
This Place is Great
This place is great. I popped a crown out last night and called the emergency phone number they have. I left a message and they called back right away in the morning. They were able to get me in within a half hour of the call. I went in to a clean friendly place. They cemented my cap back in. They even reattached my loose retainer. I recommend this place and will go back.
Very Good Experience
Was a very good experience, very friendly and made my first visit a good one. Plan on using them for all my dentists needs on Marco.
Fast & Painless
Was scheduled for a cleaning and asked about possibly smoothing out a chip. Cleaning was fast sand painless. Doctor came in to take a look and fixed my chip in mins! Island tower dentistry really cares about their patients and provides great service!
My Teeth Sparkle!
Just had my teeth cleaned and Tanya Hunter did an amazing job making my teeth sparkle! Keep up good work.
Experienced, Knowledgeable and Thorough
Cody is a very experienced, knowledgeable and thorough hygienist. She helped me to considerably improve the health of my gums. Thank you.
I Am Very Impressed
I had a cleaning today and I have to say I am very impressed with the front staff and with Codi who is my hygienist.
Winning Combination
Friendly front desk staff, knowledgeable hygienist and Dr Schulze. A winning combination!
I Was Right At Home!
I have been going to Island Tower Dentistry for over 5 years. Every time I have a great experience. This past visit I had the most amazing assistant Bethany. She is a true blessing to the office, she made me feel comfortable as if I was right at home! I would totally recommend Island Tower and his team to anyone looking for dental work in Swfl.
Found My New Dentist!
I was referred to Dr. Van Dyke for his honest business practices.
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!
Honest Dentist
My family and I have been going to Dr Schultz for approx 30 years, Dr Schultz and his staff have always made going to the dentist a comfortable experience for all of us. I highly recommend his practice to anyone in search of a highly qualified, and honest dentist.
Very Personable
Dr. Van Dyke and his staff do a wonderful job. They are very personable, the office is nice and they are accommodating to patients.
Excellent Experience
An Actual Pleasure
From the dentists to the receptionists, the entire staff is outstanding! They all make going to the dentist an actual pleasure. I had to have a new crown and the complete procedure was painless.
Thank You!
From someone who has had anxiety of going to the dentist, I am grateful to have found this place during season. Super nice, gentle, funny and made the experience easy and enjoyable! (Or at least as enjoyable as a dentist could be) 10/10 would recommend! looking forward to my first consultation for Botox as well! Thank you!
Great Office, Great Staff, and Great Experience.
Great office, great staff, and great experience. My hygienist, Lorraine, was simply awesome. Great conversation, very thorough, and I truly enjoyed my appointment. Who ever says that when going to the dentist !?!?! Best cleaning I’ve ever had. Meeting Dr Van Dyke was an absolute pleasure. Very kind and explained everything to me and discussed my current and future dental care. I’m so happy that my family recommended that I go here. Just awesome. Thanks to the entire staff for making my first visit an enjoyable one. You rock Lorraine!!!!
Thorough & Professional
Highly recommended ! Very thorough and professional.
I’ve never felt so comfortable at a Dentist’s office. Relaxing environment,
state of the art equipment. Our family loves it here !
Friendly and Professional
The professionalism displayed by the complete 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.
Excellent Service!
Excellent service. I was scared of going to the dentist but they gave me hope and motivation to work on my teeth. Thank you
Strongly Recommend
I would strongly recommend Island Tower. The staff is so friendly and professional. It’s the only dentist I’ve ever been to where you honestly do not feel the needles
The Best!
Very happy with results. Staff is the best. Dr. Van Dyke does fillers as well.
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 the circumstances.
Warmth & Attentiveness
From the moment you walk into Island Tower’s office you feel some of that “going to the dentist” anxiety disappear. The front desk staff welcomes you with a smile, answers your insurance and procedural questions thoroughly and honestly. They offer a quality of warmth and attentiveness that immediately help puts you at ease.
Dr. Schulze, his team of dental assistants, and hygienists are exceedingly professional and gentle with the care of each patient. They form relationships with their clients which is something I find lacking in most medial/dental facilities these days. They make you feel comfortable asking questions and are eager to make the experience positive.
They have the most modern equipment and technology giving each patient the best possible care available. Their facility is immaculate and clean. I feel lucky to have found this gem of a dental practice!
Very Impressed
I had a cleaning today and I have to say I am very impressed with the front staff and with Cody who is my hygienist.
A Very Thorough Professional
Dawn , my hygienist, was a very thorough professional . I felt that she cared about my dental health and explained the technique of flossing . I am happy with my visit there.
A Premium Practice
I used to cringe at the thought of going to the dentist but Island Tower Dentistry is a premium practice focused on quality and literally has changed my thoughts on going to the dentist. Dr. Van Dyke and his staff work tirelessly to make sure your dentist experience is seamless! The staff and Dr. Van Dyke are all professional and incredibly knowledgeable in their field. From the moment you enter the office to the minute you exit you are treated with respect, professionalism and skilled dentistry. I would not hesitate to recommend Island Tower Dentistry to anyone in the Marco Island or SWFL area.