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:
Definitely Going Back
Great place to go! Went in for a cleaning, staff and doctor were awesome! Especially loved Bethany and how she paid attention to everything I said! Definitely going back to seeRead more “Definitely Going Back”
Staff is the Best!
Very happy with results. Staff is the best. Dr. Van Dyke does fillers asRead more “Staff is the Best!”
Amazing Dental Office
Another Great Experience
Another great experience from Angela at check-in and out, Cody for cleaning, Dr. van Dyke for exam and Hannah for billing! Angela even went to the extra trouble to send me out with a fresh hotRead more “Another Great Experience”
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”
The Most Thoughtful
Love these professionals! From the front desk to Lorraine – the most thoughtful and caring RDH. They are the best on theRead more “The Most Thoughtful”
Excellent service!
Excellent service, wonderful caring staff. Made actually going to the dentist a comfortableRead more “Excellent service!”
Nice and Very Attentive
Everyone was so nice and very attentive. The dentist gave me suggestions on what is best for me. I will be going back forRead more “Nice and Very Attentive”
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”
Another Wonderful Visit
Another wonderful visit. Everyone that works at Island Tower Dentistry is top notch. The staff is friendly and always makes it a great experience. Highly recommend toRead more “Another Wonderful Visit”
Knowledgeable and Professional
Been a Patient Since 1998
Highly Recommend to Anyone
I would highly recommend this office to anyone. Courteous, professional, caring and friendly. They got me in the same day I called. I will definitely go there again. GreatRead more “Highly Recommend to Anyone”
Staff was Fabulous!
As usual, the entire staff was fabulous on my recent visit. Dr. Van Dyke and Cody take great care of your dentalRead more “Staff was Fabulous!”
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!”
Very Detailed!
Staff and Doctor is very friendly and knowledgeable. The most throughout exam I’ve had. VeryRead more “Very Detailed!”
Best Cleanings Ever
The technician who worked on me is terrific. In the past few years best cleaningsRead more “Best Cleanings Ever”
Skilled Dentist
Island Tower Dentistry has been our family dentist for more than twenty years. Great staff, excellent skilled dentist. I would recommend Dr. Schulze and his colleagues to anyone on or near Marco IslandRead more “Skilled Dentist”
Wonderful Attitude
Friendly and Professional
Wonderful Office!
What a wonderful office! Dr. Van Dyke and his staff are exceptional – warm, caring, thorough, honest, and gentle. Was highly recommended by my daughter and I can see why. I tend to have a fear of dentists but they made me feel very comfortable. I cannot recommend them highlyRead more “Wonderful Office!”
Extraordinary Dental Care
Every appointment has been timely, the staff are providers of excellent client service. Dr. Van Dyke and his dental assistants provide extraordinary dental care in an efficient and timely manner with the most up to date equipment available in the field today. Island Tower Dentistry deserves all five stars andRead more “Extraordinary Dental Care”
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”
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.
I Am Thankful
I am thankful to have found Island Dentistry when I made the move to Marco Island. Cody has made a BIG improvement in my dental health with her suggestions! Everyone from the receptionist to the dentist areRead more “I Am Thankful”
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”
Amazing Staff
Great office! Amazing staff! Very attentive and knowledgeable doctor. We had an emergency situation where my moms bridge fell off while on vacation. We called the office and scheduled an appointment- everything was done in a very professional manner and the cost of the procedure was reasonable as well. Thank you for your helpRead more “Amazing Staff”
Love this Place!
Love this place! They have the best team and technology. Thank you Island TowerRead more “Love this Place!”
One word. Surprising!
Truly Amazing
Their inviting caring nature, conservative treatment and personal interest in every single patient in accordance with the support of an amazing dedicated team is a truly amazing experience. If I ever considered going back to full time private practice this would be the place for me! Love Island Tower Dental, the Doctors and the superior team! You should really get to know them. Do yourself a favor and call Angela or Jessica for more information. I promise you will never have a better dental experience nor be disappointed!