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:
Highly Recommend
Comfortable Visit
I can’t stress enough how impressed I am with this dentist office. These individuals really make your visit comfortable. If your looking for a new dentist I would look no further.
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 !
My Teeth Sparkle!
Just had my teeth cleaned and Tanya Hunter did an amazing job making my teeth sparkle! Keep up good work.
Beautiful Office
Had my “introductory “ visit today. Tomorrow is teeth cleaning appt. The office is beautiful and the staff couldn’t be nicer. Dr Van Dyke was very Thorough And I’m looking forward to having him as my dentist
Caring & Friendly
Fantastic office!!! Everyone is very professional, caring and friendly. I would highly recommend Dr. Van Dyke and his team of wonderful ladies.
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 and more.
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.
Everyone is Friendly
I love the team at this office. Everyone is always so friendly and happy to see you. Dr. Van Dyke puts me at ease and is so gentle. It makes going to the dentist a pleasure.
Welcoming
When you walk through the door you are immediately welcomed. The best part about this office is the assistants. Hannah is my favorite! She’s so gentle and such a perfectionist. I enjoy going to the dentist now, because of her!
Thank You!
Dr. Van Dyke and his team are fantastic! He truly cares for his patients and now I take my whole family to him! Thank you for helping me find the dentist I’ve always been looking for!
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 do so.
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.
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 this dentistry!
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.
Family Loves!
Dr. Van Dyke is very kind and knowledgeable. He explained in detail everything that I needed to have done which really helped me understand the next steps.
I also always look forward to my time spent with the Dental hygienist as they keep me relaxed because they are great at what they do!
Satisfied Patient
Great People
They help us out with an emergency visit. Put us at ease and took care of our problem. We are from out of town on vacation and do happy we found them. Great people to help others.
State of the Art
The staff is very professional and friendly. Dr. Van Dyke delivers a state of the art knowledge base to the practice. I highly recommend their services!
Terrific
The technician who worked on me is terrific. In the past few years best cleanings ever.
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.
Happy, Helpful Employees
Wonderful Attitude
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!
Professional & Pleasant
Incredibly Friendly
Incredibly friendly office starting with the receptionist Angela and everyone else involved. They made sure to see me the day I called with one of those dental emergencies and did an outstanding job for this Snow Bird. Would highly recommend.
Dr. Van Dyke was Amazing
Highly recommended! I had a dental emergency. They got me right in and even discounted the exam price! Dr Van Dyke was amazing. He even called me the next the day to make sure I was feeling ok! They just gained a new patient!
Best Treatment
Fantastic Service
Professional & Friendly
I love going to Island Tower Dentistry. I know, ‘who says that?’ but this office is awesome. The staff are very professional and friendly. Dr. Van Dyke is caring and very considerate of his patients. Their office is very pretty and clean. A very pleasant and pain free experience!! No, really-PAIN free!!