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:
I Am Thrilled
I was delighted with Dr. VanDyke and his staff. I just had a bridge made and it was perfect. I am thrilled with the expertise and perfection shown by Island Tower Dentistry. I would recommend them highly. Also had a crown recently and periodenture work done. I wouldn’t go anywhereRead more “I Am Thrilled”
The Highest Level of Care
Incredibly professional, competent and friendly. Always on time and always give the highest level of care and customerRead more “The Highest Level of Care”
An Outstanding Job
Caring and Friendly
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 highlyRead more “Helpful and Knowledgeable”
Friendly and Professional!
Lorraine is a rock star. Friendly, professional, offers suggestions on products to help meet oral healthRead more “Friendly and Professional!”
Amazing Dentist & Staff
Amazing Dentist and staff! Highly recommend Island TowerRead more “Amazing Dentist & Staff”
Very Friendly!
Everyone at Island Tower Dentistry is very friendly, welcoming andRead more “Very Friendly!”
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 hereRead more “Thorough & Professional”
The Entire Staff is Great
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”
Great Office, Great Staff, and Great Experience.
Read more “Great Office, Great Staff, and Great Experience.”
Excellent Experience
A Breeze
So Friendly, Professional and Kind
Caring and Compassionate
Cody is a very good hygienist and super nice! Dr. VanDyke is also extremely nice, caring andRead more “Caring and Compassionate”
Can Recommend with Confidence
Best Cleanings Ever
The technician who worked on me is terrific. In the past few years best cleaningsRead more “Best Cleanings Ever”
Forever Grateful!
So Glad I Found Them
They have been the most accommodating dentist practice that I ever dealt with! I am so glad I foundRead more “So Glad I Found Them”
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”
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10/10 Recommend
Great Experience!
Dentist who Cares
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”
Efficient & Effective
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”
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”