Effect of locally delivered phenytoin 1% on improvement of chronic periodontitis parameters

Different adjunctive treatment options have been proposed for treating periodontal diseases other than standard scaling and root planning due to higher incidence of periodontal conditions. Phenytoin is a drug primarily used for the treatment of epilepsy. However, its positive effect on wound healing process has encouraged researchers to recommend it for patients with periodontitis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Phenytoin 1% gel in the improvement of periodontal parameters in chronic periodontitis. In an experimental split–mouth study, 18 patients with moderate periodontitis having at least 2 contra lateral teeth, pocket depth of 4-5 mm and no history of systemic disease were selected. After standard scaling and root planning treatment, both right or left side of the oral cavity was randomly assigned for local delivery of phenytoin 1% gel and, the other side was selected as control. Pocket depth (PD) and connective tissue adhesion (CTA) indices were assessed at the baseline and also two, four and eight weeks after the first injection. The data were analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVA and Paired T-tests, considering the baseline measures as covariates. Using baseline PD and CTA values as covariates, significant reduction was observed in mean PD (P<0.05) and significant increase in mean CTA (P<0.001) during the study period. Also there were significant difference between the control experimental sites in terms of mean PD index and CTA (P< 0.001 for both). Using Phenytoin after standard scaling and root planning can relatively improve the status of Pocket depth and connective tissue adhesion.