Ever Evolving With Your Oral Surgery Needs

Dr. John Shillingburg is just like any other business owner in Denton County— if it meant he could help more people, he would happily duplicate himself! For years, he’s been holding down the fort as DFW Oral Surgeons’ board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon — and anyone who’s been a patient will shout to the mountaintops that he’s the best at what he does.

Unfortunately, cloning technology isn’t quite there yet. So for now, there can only be one Dr. Shillingburg. And if you think a Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer sounds difficult, imagine finding an oral surgeon just as talented, devoted, and congenial as Dr. Shillingburg…it’s easier said than done.

“I’ve probably interviewed 15 surgeons since 2014 but was never able to find the right fit,” Dr. Shillingburg said. “Given what we do, you must find someone like-minded in their ethics, morals, and how they treat patients. We also want them to come in and see this area as their home, and their patients as their neighbors. That’s what I did. My wife and I fell in love with this area.”

Thankfully, with Dr. Lico Castillo joining the team, the search has ceased. Dr. Castillo is a graduate of Texas A&M College of Dentistry, and obtained his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine in 2018. Much like Dr. Shillingburg, Dr. Castillo treats everything from simple tooth extractions to more complicated, reconstructive procedures.

Before coming to DFW Oral Surgeons, Dr. Castillo worked at several medical centers and oral surgery facilities in Kansas City and Omaha. Dr. Castillo joined forces with Dr. Shillingburg in August and is looking forward to meeting patients this fall. He and his wife, an accomplished pediatric dentist, live in Lantana with their 3-year-old son and have another child on the way.

Needless to say, switching gears from potentially owning a practice to joining DFW Oral Surgeons was a no-brainer.

“Being here is more than I could ask for,” Dr. Castillo said. “I initially came to this area to start my own practice and had someone guiding me during that time. They suggested I sit down for dinner with Dr. Shillingburg because of our similarities. He kept saying, ‘I think you’re going to like him.’ Once we finally met, I immediately saw how honest and genuine he was.”

DFW Oral — a Best of Denton County winner in two categories this year — has long been known for working tirelessly to be at the forefront of every major technological advancement and procedural adjustment to make your next trip to the doctor as comfortable as possible. This includes using biologic materials proven to limit discomfort and promote faster healing so you can enjoy your new smile faster. Dr. Shillingburg is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon trained and credentialed in dentoalveolar surgery, facial cosmetic surgery, implant surgery, orthognathic surgery, facial reconstructive oral surgery, and dental anesthesiology. He holds membership with the American Dental Association and is a Diplomate of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology and American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Dr. Shillingburg and Dr. Castillo spare no expense in order to surround themselves with top-of-the-line technology that create seamless results. The facility is a true outpatient surgery center capable of treating any mouth and jaw condition. In addition to their wonderful surgical assistants, they’ve also added Lauren Meeske BSN-RN to the staff to give patients the absolute best care possible. With two oral and maxillofacial surgeons now under the same roof, patients can expect the same great care at a faster pace.

“We’ve always made time for emergency care, but for many of our routine patients, we are sometimes booking weeks to months out to get patients in,” Dr. Shillingburg said. “Having Dr. Castillo here allows our practice to get them in quicker. That’s important because when you have an oral surgery issue, it’s typically something that needs to be addressed quickly. It’s not something anyone wants to put off for a later date.” Dr. Castillo agreed.

“Patient care is important to both of us. It’s nice to sit with someone and know immediately that you are on the same page.” Many of us take our oral and dental health for granted, and the consequences can be overwhelming when we are suddenly faced with severe problems. Having doctors like John Shillingburg and Lico Castillo in your corner (and mouth) is lifesaving.

DFW Oral Surgeons is proud to serve residents of Argyle, Bartonville, Highland Village, Lantana, Double Oak, South Denton, Denton County, and the surrounding areas. Their facility is conveniently located on the west side of Long Prairie Road between College Parkway and Cross Timbers Road.