[Oral lichen planus: an overview]

Abstract

Lichen planus is a mucocutaneous disease of unknown etiology. There is a great difference between the course of lichen planus of oral mucosa and that of the skin. Some authors consider oral lichen planus a premalignant condition. Whether this is true still remains to be settled. The dentist is advised to discuss a patient with oral lichen planus with the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, both with regard to the establishment of the diagnosis and the possible treatment and follow-up.