Brånemark's serendipitous discovery of osseointegration occurred in 1952 during vital microscopy studies in rabbits using titanium optic chambers. He found that under carefully controlled conditions, titanium could be structurally integrated into living bone with a very high degree of predictability and without long-term soft tissue inflammation or ultimate fixture rejection. Brånemark named the phenomenon osseointegration. In 1965, dental implant technology took a significant step forward when the first practical application of osseointegration was performed. New titanium roots was implanted by Brånemark in an edentulous patient called Gösta Larsson who suffered tooth loss following sever chin and jaw deformities. Since then based on his original scientific insight-subsequently substantiated and rigorously documented-innovative .bone-anchored restorative solutions have improved the quality of million people's lives around the globe

The founder of the Brånemark Osseointegration Center (BOC), Prof. Brånemark received many awards including the coveted Swedish Society of Medicine's Soederberg Prize in 1992 which is considered as mini-Nobel and the Swedish Engineering Academy's prestigious medal for technical innovation.

 Prof. Brånemark held more than 30 honorary positions throughout Europe and North America.

In 2011, he received the European Inventor Award in the lifetime category. The award is regarded the most prestigious prize for European inventors and rewarded by European Patent Office (EPO). The EPO website stated: "During the course of his career, he has continued to refine his approach into what has become the gold standard of dental implantation globally-the method of osseointegration, which means that inserts made from titanium can be safely conjoined with human bone tissue. More than eight million people have benefited from Brånemark's landmark method."

 Brånemark defined his award as the climax of his professional career and said:"I have received numerous prizes, but this beats everything else. The award means a great amount to me and it represents recognition from society that my method has helped so many people. That is greatest reward a scientist can hope to receive."

On 20 December 2014, Prof. Per-Ingvar Brånemark passed away because of heart attack following a period of extended illness in his hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden, leaving his family, his fiends and colleagues in mourning all over the world.

IRIMC Department of International Affairs extends its most sincere condolences to the Late Prof. Per-Ingvar Brånemark's family, friends and colleagues worldwide. He made significant contributions to medicine namely implant dentistry and without him, the world might still be awaiting the advent of a breakthrough that revolutionized modern dentistry.

May he rest in peace.

News Source: Brånemark  Osseointegration Center; University of Gothenburg, the Sahlgrenska Academy; European Potent Office, Nobel Biocare

Dr. Shima Naghavi, Director of International Affairs