1Senior lecturer, Department of Periodontics, Rural Dental College, Loni, Maharashtra
2Prof and Head, Department of Periodontics, A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore
Online published on 17 November, 2012.
Gingival overgrowth is a rare disorder characterized by the proliferative fibrous over growth of the gingival tissue. It usually develops as an isolated disorder but can be a feature of a syndrome. Anticonvulsants, immune-suppressant drugs and calcium channel blockers have been known to produce similar gingival overgrowths in susceptible patients.
Phenytoin, an anti epileptic has been frequently used in the management of all forms of epilepsy except petit-mal. The potential of phenytoin to induce gingival hyperplasia has been well-established.
This article documents a severe gingival enlargement in a patient under anti-epileptic therapy and provides a rational model for its clinical management.
A case of 15 year old male is reported who presented a generalized severe gingival overgrowth, involving the maxillary and mandibular arches and covering all teeth. Treatment included phase 1 therapy, substitution of the drug, and surgical excision of the excessive gingival tissue, maintenance and supportive therapy resulting in excellent clinical outcome. Post surgical follow up demonstrated no recurrence.
Phenytoin, Antiepileptic, Gingival over Growth, Gingivectomy
