Rhonda....I'll bet that Jerry knew that I would chime in here. Jerry's opinion is always very on-target, since he himself is an obviously compassionate dentist, and obviously made more insightful by his own cancer experience.

My surgery involved removal of part of my maxilla (upper jawbone), with the accompanying teeth, of course. I must wear an appliance called an obturator, since this surgery left an opening in my hard palate.....the roof of my mouth. This appliance was made...and continues to be adjusted....by a prosthodontist.

Here is my advice: Find out from the Head and Neck surgery department of your closest Comprehensive Cancer Center.....Wash. U, perhaps....and ask for their recommendation. They will surely have a prosthodontist on their staff, and if they do, I would go to him/her.If not, ask who in town works with the head and neck surgeons. The one who will know is the NURSE. If you don't get satisfaction from the desk, ask politely to speak with the surgeon's nurse.

My prosthodontist works closely with my surgeon. He also does general work, including dentures and crowns, but he is familiar with cancer and with surgical problems. Most prosthodontists in general practice make lovely dentures and beautiful smiles with veneers and crowns, but will likely not have experience with the problems related to cancer, surgery, and radiation.