Generalised stunting of roots in an epileptic child: is long-term phenytoin therapy the cause?

Long-term phenytoin therapy is known to cause disturbance in calcium and bone homeostasis. Dental tissues being calcified tissues can also be affected by this derangement of mineral metabolism, especially during developmental phases. This report describes a case of an epileptic child who presented with short roots, enlarged pulp chambers, blunt apices and delayed eruption of permanent dentition, which might be attributed to long-term phenytoin therapy. The purpose of this case report is to increase awareness among the clinicians about its possible dental implications and emphasise upon the need of regular dental check-ups in epileptic children.