Prosthodontic management of maxillofacial defects after cancer surgery

Surgery for maxillofacial cancer often creates a defect, which may affect speech, swallowing, mastication and facial appearance. The provision of a prosthesis is one method to help restore these physiologic and psychologic functions. Prosthodontic planning and rehabilitation should be an integral part of the team management to provide not just the preservation, but a quality of life for the patient. Various types of appliances are illustrated and the role of the dental surgeon is emphasised.