A prosthodontist is a dentist who after graduating from dental school takes an additional three years or more of graduate education to become a specialist in dentures, missing teeth, etc. A prosthodontist who takes an additional year in a special fellowship training can become a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist. Maxillofacial prosthodontists treat patients with defects of the head and neck (maxillofacial) region due to cancer, surgery, trauma, and/or birth defects. Maxillary obturators, Speech-aid prosthesis (formerly called as Pharyngeal/Soft Palate Obturators) and Mandibular-Resection prostheses are the most common prostheses planned and fabricated by Maxillofacial Prosthodontists.
My CCC insisted I go to Maxillofacial prosthodontist and I have been extremely happy with his dental care. He has made two soft palate obturators for me which have really improved my speech. In talking with patients in his waiting room, I discovered they have flown in from Chicago,IL or driven from Philadelphia, PA or Richmond VA to keep seeing him
I had two rootcanals after my radiation TX and did not need any HBO just like Eileen said but my understanding is that extractions are a different story just like Christine said. I don't know any West Coast specialists, just this Washington DC suburban one.
Hope this helps
Charm