Premium
Therapeutic Alternatives in Phenytoin‐Induced Gingival Hyperplasia: A Case Report and Discussion
Author(s) -
Reynolds Norman C.,
Kirkham Dan B.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.1980.51.9.516
Subject(s) - phenytoin , context (archaeology) , epilepsy , medicine , valproic acid , hyperplasia , anticonvulsant , alertness , intensive care medicine , pharmacology , psychiatry , paleontology , biology
T he problem of phenytoin‐induced gingival hyperplasia is discussed within the context of consultative planning between oral care practitioners and the physician managing the epilepsy. The reluctance of the neurologist or of the patient to change an ongoing anti‐convulsant program is often a response to a long history of tedious steps in medication adjustments to establish a level of seizure control without sacrificing alertness and mood control. Realistic indicators for discontinuing phenytoin are enumerated and therapeutic alternatives in treating phenytoin hyperplasia are discussed. A complicated case of seizure control is offered as an example of requirements in the medical control of epilepsy and the context in which periodontal therapy can be planned in conjunction with these medication adjustments. The mechanism of phenytoin induction of gingival hyperplasia is briefly discussed. Phenytoin (Dilantin ® ) and a newer agent, valproic acid (Depakene ® ), are compared as alternatives in seizure control.