Prosthodontic rehabilitation of patients with orofacial defects.

In 2007 in the UK, 5410 people were diagnosed with an oral cancer. It is therefore imperative that all dentists, medical practitioners and dental care practitioners are vigilant when examining the oral cavity so that any suspicious ulcers, swellings or changes in colour of the mucosa are referred at the earliest stage. To give the patient the best prognosis with an orofacial defect following tumour removal or trauma, it is most important to have the appropriate skills in a multidisciplinary team. The management of patients comprises pre-surgical, surgical and post-surgical phases.