Topical Phenytoin for Management of Gingival Recession

Summary

Gingival recession (GR) is a term that describes the displacement of the gingival margin apical to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) of a tooth. The gold standard of GR treatment is surgical coverage through coronally advanced flap with subepithelial connective tissue graft (CAF+SCTG) (3). But, the need for a non-invasive technique for managing GR has not been frequently addressed. Phenytoin (PHT), used as an anti-seizure medication, has an established side effect of causing drug-influenced gingival enlargement. Its stimulatory effects on soft tissue metabolism suggested PHT to be tested topically for its effectiveness in wound healing. However, none of the previous studies that investigated topical phenytoin has assessed gingival recession; except for a case series.

Timeline

Start

2026-06-01

Primary completion

2027-09-01

Completion

2027-10

Drugs

Indications