Early Life and Education

Born on May 3, 1929, in Karlshamn, Sweden, Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark pursued medical studies at Lund University, graduating in 1956. He completed his Ph.D. in 1959 and later became a professor of Anatomy at Gothenburg University in 1969.

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The Serendipitous Discovery of Osseointegration

In the 1950s, while studying microcirculation in rabbit bones using titanium optic chambers, Dr. Brånemark observed that the titanium had integrated seamlessly with the bone tissue. This unexpected finding led him to coin the term "osseointegration", describing the direct structural and functional connection between living bone and a load-bearing implant. ​

 

Transforming Implant Dentistry

Prior to Dr. Brånemark's work, dental implants were often unreliable. His research demonstrated that titanium implants could serve as stable, long-lasting replacements for missing teeth. In 1965, he treated Gösta Larsson, the first patient to receive titanium dental implants, who benefited from them for over 40 years. 

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Philosophy and Vision

Dr. Brånemark believed that tooth loss should not be a life sentence to discomfort or inconvenience.

He famously stated, "No one should die with their teeth sitting in a glass of water."

This philosophy underscored his commitment to improving patients' quality of life through innovative dental solutions.

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Global Impact and Recognition

Dr. Brånemark's contributions extended beyond dentistry. His principles of osseointegration have been applied in orthopedic prosthetics and craniofacial reconstructions, benefiting countless individuals worldwide. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including:​

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• Swedish Society of Medicine's Söderberg Prize (1992)

• Swedish Engineering Academy's Medal for Technical Innovation​

• Harvard School of Dental Medicine Medal​

• European Inventor Award for Lifetime Achievement (2011)​

 

Dr. Brånemark held over 30 honorary positions across Europe and North America, reflecting his profound influence on the medical community.

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Legacy

Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark passed away on December 20, 2014, in Gothenburg, Sweden. His legacy endures through the countless lives improved by his innovations and the continued advancements in implant dentistry rooted in his groundbreaking work. 

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Honoring His Legacy: Global Osseointegration Day

To honor Dr. Brånemark’s contributions, Associated Brånemark Osseointegration Centers (ABOC) established Global Osseointegration Day, celebrated annually on his birthday, May 3rd. This special day was initiated by ABOC members as a tribute to the man who revolutionized implant dentistry.

Each year, ABOC marks the occasion with a dedicated webinar, exploring different aspects of osseointegration and its impact on modern dentistry.

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