My prosthodontist also advised me to remove the obturator at night, at least until I get the permanent one. I was told that it helps with the healing, to have it "air" out at night, but who knows.

I'm finally able to fall asleep without a Xanax now, but until last week I couldn't deal with trying to relax with this defect in my mouth. Like Jayne said, everything gets easier over time. Although I don't see me being okay with looking at it any time soon, ha.

I went to my surgeon yesterday and he's really concerned about trismus setting in soon. I'm doing my daily exercises and eating/chewing mostly everything but can still barely fit 2 fingers in my mouth. They measured and I'm at 24mm, normal should be 35-40 for women, 40-45 for men. Anyone having trouble with that, too?


Nicole - Age 31 - Queens, NY
Wife, Mommy (4 years)
Upper Right Maxillectomy (5 teeth) 3/21/11 - Obturator
Sloan-Kettering - NYC