Why Specialized Training Matters for Your Rehabilitation

Successfully restoring form and function after oral cancer treatment requires a unique skillset. This is where the expertise of a prosthodontic expert like Dr. Kostas becomes essential.

Dr. Kostas has completed advanced training specifically in maxillofacial prosthodontics – the dental specialty focused on rehabilitating patients with complex defects of the head, neck, face, and jaws resulting from cancer, surgery, trauma, or birth differences.

His specialized knowledge includes:

• Deep understanding of how cancer treatments affect oral tissues and structures.

• Expertise in designing and creating intricate, custom-fitted prosthetics (like obturators and specialized dentures) to replace missing tissues and restore function.

• Skill in re-establishing a comfortable and functional bite (mastication), enabling better chewing and supporting clearer speech and swallowing.

• A keen eye for aesthetics, ensuring your rehabilitation addresses both functional needs and helps restore your natural appearance.

Dr. Kostas ensures you receive treatment grounded in advanced knowledge and tailored precisely to your complex needs.

Our Science-Based Approach

Optimal oral cancer rehabilitation requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. At Dental Arts of Cherry Hills, our approach is grounded in established principles and modern medical advancements.

• Partnership with Your Medical Team: We believe in a multidisciplinary approach. Dr. Kostas collaborates closely with your oncologists, head and neck surgeons, radiation therapists, speech pathologists, and other medical providers right from the initial diagnosis and treatment planning stages. This teamwork ensures your rehabilitation is well-integrated with your overall medical care.

• Leveraging Our On-Site Laboratory: Our state-of-the-art, in-house dental lab provides a distinct advantage for complex rehabilitation cases. Dr. Kostas works side-by-side with our skilled technicians to design, fabricate, and adjust highly customized maxillofacial prosthetics. This direct collaboration ensures unparalleled precision, quality control, and often more efficient turnaround times for the devices critical to your recovery.

• Using Proven Techniques & Materials: We employ advanced diagnostic tools for precise planning and use high-quality, biocompatible materials for durable and comfortable restorations. We also incorporate proven advancements like dental implants where appropriate. Implants can provide incredibly stable foundations for prosthetic teeth or appliances, significantly enhancing function and confidence.

Custom Prosthetics Solutions

Every patient's situation is unique when it comes to oral cancer treatment and rehabilitation. Dr. Kostas develops personalized rehabilitation plans using a range of specialized services and prosthetics.

• Maxillofacial Prosthetics (Obturators & More): Following surgery that may create openings between the mouth and nasal cavity (e.g., maxillectomy, palatectomy), custom obturators are essential. These are precisely fitted devices used to close the openings and restore speech, swallowing, and chewing actions. 

• Specialized Dentures & Partial Dentures: These are not standard dentures. They are uniquely designed and fabricated to fit comfortably and function effectively within altered oral structures resulting from surgery or radiation.

• Dental Implant-Supported Restorations: When bone quality and quantity permit, osseointegrated dental implants can help anchor crowns, bridges, or dentures. This provides exceptional stability, improves chewing efficiency, and boosts confidence significantly.

• Speech & Swallowing Support Prosthetics: In some cases, specialized devices like palatal augmentation prosthetics or speech bulbs may be crafted for cases where tongue function is lost.

• Oral Care & Preservation: An important part of the rehabilitation process is preserving your remaining natural teeth whenever possible. We focus on maintaining optimal gum health and restoring existing teeth before, during, and after cancer treatment, which is especially critical following radiation therapy.

What to Expect with Oral Cancer Rehabilitation

Oral cancer rehabilitation is often a phased process requiring patience and expert guidance. We are committed to supporting you through the entire rehabilitation process.

Initial Consultation & Collaborative Planning

We begin with a compassionate and thorough discussion of your medical history, cancer treatment details, personal goals, and concerns. Comprehensive oral examination and diagnostic imaging help us develop a detailed, collaborative plan, often involving input from your oncology team.

Phased Prosthetic Intervention

Depending on your treatment, rehabilitation may involve carefully timed stages. This could include placing an immediate surgical obturator in coordination with your surgeon, followed by an interim prosthetic during the healing period, and finally crafting the definitive long-term prosthetic.

Precision Fitting & Functional Adjustments

Creating your custom prosthetic device is only part of the process. We pay careful attention while fitting and adjusting your device to ensure it feels comfortable, functions effectively for speaking, eating, and swallowing, and looks natural. We also provide detailed instructions on how to use and care for it.

We understand that undergoing further dental procedures during or after cancer treatment can feel overwhelming. However, rest assured that your comfort and peace of mind are our priority at Dental Arts of Cherry Hills. 

We take a gentle approach, communicate clearly, and offer sedation dentistry options, including IV Sedation, to help manage anxiety and ensure you are completely comfortable during any necessary procedures.

Essential Ongoing Maintenance & Follow-Up

Rehabilitation is not a one-time fix. Oral tissues can change over time, and prosthetics require ongoing care. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring your oral health, adjusting your prosthetic device as needed, and planning for eventual replacement. 



Most prosthetics require maintenance and typically need to be remade periodically. Consistent professional care and diligent home hygiene are vital for their long-term success.

Partnering for Optimal Patient Rehabilitation

At Dental Arts of Cherry Hills, Dr. Kostas welcomes referrals from oncologists, head and neck surgeons, ENTs, general dentists, and other healthcare providers seeking specialized maxillofacial prosthetic care for their patients.

Dr. Kostas offers extensive expertise in complex oral cancer rehabilitation, supported by our collaborative approach and the capabilities of our on-site dental laboratory.

We are committed to seamless communication and integrated care for the best possible patient outcomes.

Please contact our office at 720-868-8092 for efficient referral coordination.