Dentistry is generally understood as a branch of medicine that is engaged with disorders and conditions of the oral cavity and its associated treatment but beyond the general treatment, this department engages in Oral as well as Maxillofacial surgery which is an internationally practiced surgical specialty that includes the diagnosis, surgical and related treatments of a wide spectrum of disease, injuries, defects and aesthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaw, face, head and neck. Currently there are just about two or three such doctors in Nagaland.
Headed by Dr. Ankit Jain (BDS, MDS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) basically engages in the treatment and care for patients who experience such conditions as problematic wisdom teeth, facial pain and misaligned jaws. Mostly accident victims suffering facial injuries are treated, and more sophisticated surgeries involving reconstructive and dental implant. Care is provided for patients with tumors, cysts and developmental craniofacial abnormalities of the jaw and face.
The scope of this specialty is extensive and concerns the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the oral (mouth) and Maxillofacial (Face and neck) region including removal of impacted and buried teeth, cysts etc; dental implant surgery; facial trauma surgery; cleft lip and palate surgery; Temporomandibular joint disorder; Oral Cancer Surgeries; Benign and Malignant tumors of jaw.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons frequently work alongside with other specialties including orthodontist, prosthodontist, radiologist, pathologist, oncologist, ENT surgeons, plastic surgeons and other medical professionals that involve removal of the diseased part followed by reconstruction.