[Periodontal diseases and risk of osteoporosis - case report].

Osteoporosis is a generalized skeletal disease characterized by an increased risk of fractures resulting from decreased bone mineral density. Risk factors for osteoporosis are genetic determinants and lifestyle related. Osteoporosis also affects the jawbone and mandible and tobacco smokers show a greater degree of periodontitis. The aim of the study is to present the case of a patient with chronic osteoarthritis having a significant influence on periodontal inflammation. The description concerns a male tabacco smoker, aged 50, with osteopenia and progressive atrophy of the alveolar process of the jaw and mandible. An interdisciplinary approach to the patient is necessary to properly assess the stage of periodontal disease with respect to the occurrence or absence of osteoporotic changes in the patient. KEY WORDS.