Obturators and Palatal Prosthetics After Maxillectomy

What Is a Palatal Obturator?

A palatal obturator is a custom prosthetic device that seals the opening in the roof of the mouth (palate) left after maxillectomy — the surgical removal of part or all of the upper jaw. This surgery is most commonly performed to treat oral cancers. Without an obturator, patients experience significant difficulties with speech, swallowing, and eating. Visit our /obturators page to learn more.

Dr. Min S. Kim, Licensed Denturist and Maxillofacial Prosthetist, at Comfy Denture & Hearing Clinic fabricates custom obturators for patients in Federal Way, Kent, and throughout Western Washington. Dr. Kim is one of the few practitioners in the South King County and Pierce County area with expertise in both denture fabrication and maxillofacial prosthetics, making him uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive oral rehabilitation following maxillectomy.

Types of Obturators

There are three main types of obturators used in the rehabilitation process: surgical obturators (placed immediately after surgery), interim obturators (used during the healing phase), and definitive obturators (the final, long-term prosthesis). Dr. Kim works with the patient's surgical team to provide each type at the appropriate stage of rehabilitation.

A well-fitting obturator dramatically improves a patient's quality of life after maxillectomy. Patients report significant improvements in speech intelligibility, swallowing function, and the ability to eat a normal diet. The obturator also provides support for the cheek and lip, helping to maintain facial appearance.

If you or a loved one needs an obturator following maxillectomy, contact Comfy Denture & Hearing Clinic. Call our Federal Way clinic at (253) 839-1505 or our Kent clinic at (253) 981-3917. We welcome referrals from oral surgeons, head and neck oncologists, and speech-language pathologists.