Phenobarbital-induced gingival overgrowth? Report of two cases and complications in management.

Gingival overgrowth is a known side effect of several seizure, immunosuppressant and calcium channel-blocker medications. Gingival overgrowth is not a reported side-effect of phenobarbital. This case report describes two patients with marked gingival overgrowth who had been medicated with phenobarbital exclusively since the initiation of seizure disorders. The clinical findings, surgical management, bleeding complications, and recommendations in management are discussed.