A quantitative analysis of connective tissue components in phenytoin‐induced gingival overgrowth in children

Abstract

A stereological analysis of connective tissue components in phenytoin‐induced gingival overgrowth in children was performed. The volume density (V v ) of the different components was calculated by point counting on semi‐thin sections of interdental papillae from children (n=12) between 8 and 14 years old. This study shows a statistically significant increase in the non‐collagenous matrix V v and a corresponding decrease in the collagenous matrix V v in the phenytoin‐enlarged gingiva compared to controls. These results indicate that the PHT‐induced lesion represents a tissue with an altered composition of the connective tissue.