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:
Fabulous
I had my scheduled teeth cleaning today November 2nd With Cody the hygienist who Was fabulous. Also I was examined by doctor Van Dyke who noted a few things for us to watch. The whole staff is very efficient and pleasant to deal it. Thank you island towerRead more “Fabulous”
Great Office, Great Staff, and Great Experience.
Read more “Great Office, Great Staff, and Great Experience.”
Excellent Service!
Excellent service. I was scared of going to the dentist but they gave me hope and motivation to work on my teeth. ThankRead more “Excellent Service!”
Amazing Dentist & Staff
Amazing Dentist and staff! Highly recommend Island TowerRead more “Amazing Dentist & Staff”
My Teeth Sparkle!
Just had my teeth cleaned and Tanya Hunter did an amazing job making my teeth sparkle! Keep up goodRead more “My Teeth Sparkle!”
Will Never Go Anyplace Else
Will never go anyplace else!! They are the best and Cody is an exceptionalRead more “Will Never Go Anyplace Else”
Compassionate
The staff and Dr. Johnathan Van Dyke are kind, compassionate and wonderful. I’m so thrilled I was referred to them and actually looking forward to going back. Thank you for all yourRead more “Compassionate”
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 veryRead more “Patient and Gentle”
A True Gem
Love every second! The best, kindest and greatest care. Cody was a true gem, Dr. Jonathan was so wonderful to work with! They have been great for our family of 7 & youngRead more “A True Gem”
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 movedRead more “Very Professional”
Great People. Great Dental Care
Great people, great dental care. Highly recommend for all dental needs. Simply the best. Cody did a wonderful job and got me in and out on a busyRead more “Great People. Great Dental Care”
The Best
I’ve had many dentists over the years. These guys are the best. Friendly, efficient and more importantlyRead more “The Best”
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 toRead more “Always a Good Experience”
Excellent Experience
Excellent experience getting my teeth cleaned. The staff are all very considerate, pleasant andRead more “Excellent Experience”
On Time and Efficient
Friendly, clean office. On time and efficient also. Lorraine was a great dental hygienist. Overall a very positive experience. Will keep going back. Met Dr. Van Dyke last visit – also veryRead more “On Time and Efficient”
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”
Exceptionally Professional
Just had another session with Cody, a first class hygienist. As usual, she was exceptionally professional in her manner andRead more “Exceptionally Professional”
Dedicated Attention!
Very professional, 100% recommended. The special, friendly and dedicated attention of the assistant Isabel is theRead more “Dedicated Attention!”
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 greatRead more “Fast & Painless”
Terrific
The technician who worked on me is terrific. In the past few years best cleaningsRead more “Terrific”
Very Professional and Friendly
Had two teeth broken because I ate a frozen candy bar. They took me right in. I would recommend to anyone. Very professional andRead more “Very Professional and Friendly”
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 forRead more “Knowledgeable and Kind”
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 &Read more “Easy In & Out”
Extremely Friendly
Dr. Van Dyke and staff were so extremely friendly and helpful. I look forward to comingRead more “Extremely Friendly”
A Calm, Relaxing Experience
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!
5 Stars & More
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 “5 Stars & More”
Easy & Enjoyable!
Also, if you’re looking for dysport/ Botox injections, I’ve had great results. No need to go to two different places since they do it right in the same place.
Amazing!
Got me in for an emergency same day – Isabel was amazing and they got me the services I needed rightRead more “Amazing!”