Rehabilitation after Oral Cancer: Functional, Prosthetic, and Psychosocial Perspectives

Abstract

Oral cancer remains a major global health problem, with survivors often experiencing long-term impairments in speech, swallowing, mastication, and esthetics. Rehabilitation is, therefore, central to survivorship care, encompassing functional, prosthetic, and psychosocial domains. Advances in prosthodontics, including implant-supported prostheses, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing, and three-dimensional printing, have expanded restorative options and improved precision. Speech and swallowing therapy, particularly when integrated as prehabilitation, enhances functional outcomes and reduces complications such as dysphagia. Psychosocial interventions, counseling, peer support, and integration of psycho-oncology help address depression, anxiety, and social reintegration challenges. Despite progress, disparities persist, especially in low-resource settings where access to advanced rehabilitation remains limited. Future directions include regenerative strategies, tele-rehabilitation, mobile health, and artificial intelligence applications. Rehabilitation after oral cancer must be embedded early within multidisciplinary oncology pathways, ensuring not only survival but also restoration of dignity, participation, and quality of life.