Colleen,

Anytime that there is surgical component involved, there is risk. That is why there is consent form to be signed. From reading some of the posts who had underwent the procedures that you are contemplating, it was my understanding that most are happy with the results. However, you should know that each and every oral defect is different and everybody responses differently to the healing process. It is very important to know what you will gain and loose before diving in. It is also important to have a back up plan if the surgery does not turn out the way you expect. Will you be able to go back to where you were before? You need to weight the nuiences of the obturator with the surgical risks and benefits. I certainly would feel comfortable if you seek second opinions with your surgeons and the maxillofacial prosthodontists at well known Medical Centers that deal with oral cancer patients.

Regarding getting anchoring from your teeth, a most important factor that one must consider is the crown to root ratio of the abutment teeth (anchoring teeth). In other words, the height of the crown to what is embedded in the bone itself. A teeth may appear tall and healthy but if the root is short, then it would be a poor candidate for such function. In such situation, a semi-rigid retention mechanism may be employed that allows some micro movements of the retentive mechanism.

If the tooth is a candidate for the attachment, then the tooth would need to be crowned where the attachment is build in. This is done where the metal female or male is casted into the crown's metal structure. With proper design, when the prosthesis is inserted, you will not be able to tell that it is there. When the tooth is properly prepared and with the help of an experienced dental lab technician, a PFM (Porcelain Fused to Metal) will be impossible to tell from a natural tooth. DP