Your health care team will help you return to normal activities as soon as possible. The goals of rehabilitation depend on the extent of the disease and type of treatment.

If oral cancer or its treatment leads to problems with talking, speech therapy will generally begin as soon as possible. A speech therapist may see you in the hospital to plan therapy and teach speech exercises. Speech therapy may continue after you return home.

Some people will need a prosthesis to help them talk and eat as normally as possible. A prosthesis is an artificial device that replaces the missing teeth or tissues of the mouth. For example, if part of the palate is removed, a dentist with special training (a prosthodontist) may be able to fit you with a plastic device that replaces the missing tissue.

Glossary Terms

A device, such as an artificial leg, that replaces a part of the body.

A dentist who specializes in replacing missing teeth or other structures of the mouth to restore an individual’s appearance, comfort, or health.