Histological evaluation of wound healing by topical phenytoin application on extraction socket: an in vivo study in albino Wistar rats

Objective: To investigate the effects of topical phenytoin application on wound healing of extraction socket of albino Wistar rats. Materials and methods: Thirty-six albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into Group A (control), B (1% phenytoin mucoadhesive paste), and C (mucoadhesive paste without phenytoin). All animals were anesthetized followed by first molar extraction. Group A did not receive any agent, whereas, Group B and C received daily application of their respective pastes. Four animals from each group were sacrificed on day 7, 14, and 21 and analyzed histologically. Results: No significant difference was found in blood vessel count among the groups. Statistical increase in percentage of fibroblast in Group B was found as compared with other groups at day 7, whereas, no significant difference was found among groups at day 14. Day 21 showed significant decrease in percentage of fibroblasts in Group B (p-value < 0.001) as compared with Group A and C. Increase in percentage of bone trabeculae in Group B was observed on day 7, 14, and 21 with a significant difference (p-value < 0.05) as compared to Group A and C. Conclusion: Topical application of phenytoin promoted fibroblast proliferation and bone trabeculae formation during healing of extraction socket in rats.