Abstract
Controlling gingival hyperplasia during the administration of diphenylhydantoin sodium poses a difficult problem in dental practice. The object ofthe dental treatment is to control the gingival enlargement while continuing administration of the medication. Excellent results were obtained in this case without Surgical retreatment.
The patient was a 24 year-old male whose chief complain twas halitosis, malaise of theg ingiva and gingival hyperplasia. He was diagnosed as having cerebral palsy at the age of 6 months and had taken Aleviatin (dilantin) since that time.
Initial preparations included scaling, root planing, curettage and instructions in the use of an electrotoothbrush (Procsodent ®). Home care was performed by a helper. His oral hygiene problems were brought under control and gingivectomy and gingivoplasty were performed one year later. Excellent clinical results were obtained.
