Aside endodontic (within tooth structure) procedures like Root Canal therapies, restorations or fillings and extractions, Dentists/Dental surgeons are concerned with the treatment of various Oral mucosal lesions, both primary lesions or secondary (as a result of systemic ailments like HIV, diabetes etc). Such diseases as;
-Lichen planus
-discoid lupus erythematosus
-oral submucous fibrosis
-syphilitic lesions (chancre, syphilitic leukoplakia etc)
-candidosis
-Trigeminal neuralgia
-burning mouth syndrome etc etc

Other areas dental surgeons deal with are Periodontal diseases (gingivitis, periodontitis, pericoronitis, acute apical periodontitis etc). Endodontic diseases like reversible and irreversible pulpitis, pulp necrosis and degeneration etc.

Oral and maxillofacial tumors and swellings are other areas dental surgeons are concerned with.

Oral tumors have diverse variations and Classifications determining its mode of treatment. There are Odontogenic tumors, non-odontogenic malignant tumors, cysts and psudocysts, fibrosseous lesions, Salivary gland tumors, infectious diseases etc.

In my subsequent posts, I'll expound on these individual tumors and different types of tumors under each variant (e.g Ameloblastoma, odontomas, Adenomatoid odontogenic tumors, Squamous odontogenic tumors, keratocystic odontogenic tumors etc) and their clinical features. Most of these tumors require highly specialized Surgeries and reconstructions.

Please if you notice any swelling of any size in your mouth or on your face, do well to visit a dental clinic or the oral and maxillofacial surgery unit of any tertiary hospital as soon as possible.