Lichen planus is a common oral dermatosis and it is one frequently encountered by oral surgeons. Lichen planus can be very difficult to treat, particularly when symptomatic in its erosive and ulcerated forms. This article describes several treatment modalities in the control of oral lichen planus including steroids, griseofulvin, vitamin A, cyclosporine, surgical excision, et al. Other features included consist of proper biopsy site selection, the need for annual re-examination, lichen planus's malignant potential, and when "not to treat."