Dr Mike - thank you for your suggestion re: speaking to the doctors. After the first 24 hours following the operation the staff were very clear that they wanted me to stick to visiting times which I have done and consequently I have not seen a doctor for a week. I have remedied this today and am hoping for an appointment to see them tomorrow.

With regards to the prosthodontist, given in the UK that we have a national health service, you don't have a great deal of choice as to who carries out your care. I am nervous though, as it is obvious that their treatment of choice is a free flap, which must mean that their experience with obturators is limited. However all the posts have given me ideas for questions which I am preparing.

August thank you for the pictures, they weren't too scary, I can't look in my husbands mouth at the moment as they have packed it full of gauze and he can't yet open his mouth very far as it is only two weeks after surgery and he had a part of his top lip removed. I have found out that he has two back teeth remaining which is good.

Again thank you for all the replies and advice.

Katie