Shirley Dentistry

10/21/2025

Shout out to Dr Shirley’s Office who is working in the concession stand tonight.

10/16/2025

When a tooth is lost and not replaced, the neighboring teeth slowly begin to shift into the empty space. This silent movement disturbs the natural bite alignment, leading to uneven chewing forces, jaw discomfort, and even TMJ (jaw joint) strain over time.

Meanwhile, the bone that once supported the missing tooth starts to shrink—a process called bone resorption. Without stimulation from the tooth root, the jawbone gradually thins out, altering facial shape and making future replacement (like dental implants) more complicated and costly.

In many cases, unbalanced biting and food impaction around tilted teeth can accelerate gum disease and decay in surrounding areas. What begins as “just one missing tooth” can eventually create a chain reaction affecting the entire mouth’s health and aesthetics.

Replacing a missing tooth promptly—through options like implants, bridges, or dentures—restores both function and stability, keeping the bite balanced, the bone strong, and the smile youthful. Dentistry isn’t just about filling gaps—it’s about preserving harmony in the oral system.

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace a professional medical advice or diagnosis.

10/16/2025

He just wants to be healthy! 😅

10/15/2025

Heads up Aurora: most dental insurance benefits reset in January, so here’s a little tip to make the most of them!

If it’s been a while since your last checkup, now’s a great time to get in. You can use your 2025 benefits for an exam, X-rays, cleaning, and even start any treatment you might need — then have a fresh set ready after the new year. 🦷✨

Whether you come to our office or somewhere else, we just want everyone in our community to stay healthy and get the most out of the insurance you’ve already paid for! ❤️

We do get really busy in November and December (as do most offices), so consider scheduling sooner rather than later. And if you’re not sure what your plan covers or how much you have left, just give us a call — we’ll help you figure it out! 😊 417-678-4141

10/13/2025

09/15/2025

✨Thank you so much for your kind words, Lora! Our team works hard to provide clear, straightforward care from start to finish, and it means a lot to know you felt that. We look forward to serving you as your new dental home!

09/13/2025

🦷 Hannah and Melissa, our two hygienists, traveled to Columbia this weekend for the Missouri Dental Hygienists’ Association Annual Conference to continue their education and bring back fresh knowledge for our patients.

🍀 There were a couple of giveaways at the conference, and these two proved to be the luckiest pair there—Hannah won one and Melissa won the other!

🤩 We’d say that’s a sure sign it’s time to schedule your next cleaning with these two lucky ladies.

📞 Call or text to schedule! 417-678-4141

08/03/2025

My patient came in for a routine cleaning. Mid-40s. Healthy on paper. Bleeding gums.

Six months later, she had a heart attack.

What if bleeding gums aren’t just a mouth problem?What if they’re the first visible sign of cardiovascular disease?

We now know they often are.

The same bacteria that cause gum disease have been found in arterial plaque

Gum inflammation drives up CRP—a marker of systemic inflammation and heart risk

Bleeding gums can raise your CRP score more than a poor diet or lack of exercise

That’s why I wrote a letter to every physician I work with. To connect the dots. To make sure we’re not treating the mouth in isolation.

If you want the letter, comment “HEART” and I’ll send it to you.

It comes with blank spaces so you can fill in your name and start using it with your doctors or with your own patients. Thousands of cardiologists and functional dentists around the world already have.

If your gums bleed when you floss, don’t ignore it. Ask your dentist what it might be saying about your heart.

07/07/2025

We hope everyone has had a wonderful and safe Fourth of July weekend! 🧨

Dr. Shirley and his staff are out of office July 4th through July 13th, and will be returning to the office on Monday, July 14th.

Feel free to send us a message, leave a voicemail, or send us a text and we will get back with you as soon as we can. Thank you!

📞417-678-4141

06/14/2025

🎉Congrats again to Ana for winning our giveaway! 🙌🏻

05/14/2025

🇺🇸We love seeing our community come together! Hope to see some familiar smiles this Friday in downtown Aurora! ✨

An exciting Friday coming up this week!
🇺🇸Please join us for our Veterans celebration on the lawn at City hall at 6pm.
Check out the veteran banners that have been placed in our downtown area.
🎨ART walk 5-10pm all over downtown, thanks to Brush Hour Art Studio for organizing this!
🥗Aurora Downtown Farmers Market will open for the season from 5-9pm at 121 East Olive (across from post office.)
Still spots for Vendors, we will also have live music! 🎤
🛍️While you’re in town, visit some of the downtown stores that will be staying open late for you!

05/05/2025

How about this beautiful weather? And Happy Cinco de Mayo! 🇲🇽 Tacos now, floss later!
🌮 Enjoy your night, everyone!