Australian Dental Journal
The official journal of the Australian Dental Association
OBITUARY
Australian Dental Journal 2015; 60: 133 doi: 10.1111/adj.12299
PER-INGVAR BR ANEMARK 3 May 1929 – 20 December 2014 The father of modern implants – Professor Per-Ingvar Br anemark, surgeon, scholar, scientist, visionary, humanitarian, who changed the lives of countless patients and contemporary oral health care – has died at the age of 85 in Gothenburg, Sweden after a brilliant career The vision of P-I Br anemark led to the development of what he termed osseointegration (the structural and functional attachment of a titanium implant into living bone) and with it the predictable surgical placement of endogenous dental and facial implants as the means by which oral and facial rehabilitation became the acceptable and now routine way to replace lost and missing teeth and tissues. The development fundamentally changed the way dental and oral clinicians considered rehabilitation of lost teeth and tissues to optimize patient care. It was an inspirational experience for clinicians committed to providing prosthodontic rehabilitation but who had previously been limited to removable prostheses and fixed bridgework involving teeth. Their good fortune was to learn about this approach and be part of its introduction. The basis of the procedure was an understanding of bone biology through studies which progressed to a specific design for root form implants, precision formed from commercially pure titanium which was a key element in the success, as it led to biological integration with the ability to sustain load and function. The international awareness of this new development in 1981 occurred with the first report in an international journal, which captured the innovation and predictable management of complete edentulism with osseointegrated implants and dramatically improved the quality of life of those unable to function with complete dentures. Later single tooth implants and short span implant bridgework continued to transform clinical management of restorative dentistry and prosthodontics. The Toronto Conference in 1982 brought the information to North America and was the catalyst for the rapid spread of the support industry and additional implant systems, some of which challenged the biology and science which underlined the original controlled development. Internationally, Australia became involved very early with simultaneous replication studies conducted at the University of Sydney and the University of Western Australia, together with subsequent involvement in university-sponsored training and education programmes. Australia was fortunate to enjoy a close collaboration with Professor Br anemark, and as a result has remained at the forefront of research, development, innovation and clinical application. Contemporary demands for immediacy in case management have been a driver for change in clinical practice. P-I emphasized a systematic approach involving clinical trials and the careful training of clinicians to ensure the delivery of optimum care. Competitive dental practice and industry initiatives need to reflect on this approach to ensure that professional standards initially set are maintained. The passing of our esteemed leader, colleague and friend, allows us to reflect on his life, his achievements, his passion and commitment to helping rehabilitate those in greatest need, and to marvel at the continual inspiration of the man and his contributions – a legacy of benefit to more and more grateful patients and clinicians who have had the privilege to be part of the osseointegration story and to acknowledge its transformation of clinical practice.
Iven Klineberg and Patrick Henry
© 2015 Australian Dental Association
133
The official journal of the Australian Dental Association
OBITUARY
Australian Dental Journal 2015; 60: 133 doi: 10.1111/adj.12299
PER-INGVAR BR ANEMARK 3 May 1929 – 20 December 2014 The father of modern implants – Professor Per-Ingvar Br anemark, surgeon, scholar, scientist, visionary, humanitarian, who changed the lives of countless patients and contemporary oral health care – has died at the age of 85 in Gothenburg, Sweden after a brilliant career The vision of P-I Br anemark led to the development of what he termed osseointegration (the structural and functional attachment of a titanium implant into living bone) and with it the predictable surgical placement of endogenous dental and facial implants as the means by which oral and facial rehabilitation became the acceptable and now routine way to replace lost and missing teeth and tissues. The development fundamentally changed the way dental and oral clinicians considered rehabilitation of lost teeth and tissues to optimize patient care. It was an inspirational experience for clinicians committed to providing prosthodontic rehabilitation but who had previously been limited to removable prostheses and fixed bridgework involving teeth. Their good fortune was to learn about this approach and be part of its introduction. The basis of the procedure was an understanding of bone biology through studies which progressed to a specific design for root form implants, precision formed from commercially pure titanium which was a key element in the success, as it led to biological integration with the ability to sustain load and function. The international awareness of this new development in 1981 occurred with the first report in an international journal, which captured the innovation and predictable management of complete edentulism with osseointegrated implants and dramatically improved the quality of life of those unable to function with complete dentures. Later single tooth implants and short span implant bridgework continued to transform clinical management of restorative dentistry and prosthodontics. The Toronto Conference in 1982 brought the information to North America and was the catalyst for the rapid spread of the support industry and additional implant systems, some of which challenged the biology and science which underlined the original controlled development. Internationally, Australia became involved very early with simultaneous replication studies conducted at the University of Sydney and the University of Western Australia, together with subsequent involvement in university-sponsored training and education programmes. Australia was fortunate to enjoy a close collaboration with Professor Br anemark, and as a result has remained at the forefront of research, development, innovation and clinical application. Contemporary demands for immediacy in case management have been a driver for change in clinical practice. P-I emphasized a systematic approach involving clinical trials and the careful training of clinicians to ensure the delivery of optimum care. Competitive dental practice and industry initiatives need to reflect on this approach to ensure that professional standards initially set are maintained. The passing of our esteemed leader, colleague and friend, allows us to reflect on his life, his achievements, his passion and commitment to helping rehabilitate those in greatest need, and to marvel at the continual inspiration of the man and his contributions – a legacy of benefit to more and more grateful patients and clinicians who have had the privilege to be part of the osseointegration story and to acknowledge its transformation of clinical practice.
Iven Klineberg and Patrick Henry
© 2015 Australian Dental Association
133
