On 23 Sep, Nobel Biocare will host a commemorative event at the University of Gothenburg to mark 60 years since the world’s first titanium dental implant surgery, performed by its inventor, the late professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark.
Nobel Biocare (previously Nobelpharma) was co-founded by Brånemark to make his implants available to patients worldwide. A highlight of the celebration will be the launch and book signing of a new publication by professor Tomas Albrektsson: Sixty Years of Clinical Experience with Nobel Biocare Osseointegrated Implants, co-authored with more than 30 academic and industry experts.
Authors who transformed implantology
Recruited by Brånemark in 1967, Tomas Albrektsson has been a central figure in implantology for more than five decades. His new book features a preface by Barbro Brånemark, wife of the inventor, and contributions from leading figures in implant dentistry. Among them are professor George Zarb, who introduced osseointegration to North America; Matts Andersson, inventor of CAD/CAM for dental implants (Procera); Leif Ek, former CEO of Nobelpharma, who helped transform it into a global company; and professor Paulo Malo, inventor of the All-on-4 treatment concept.
The book, co-edited by professor Bruno Chrcanovic, chronicles the development of implantology from Brånemark’s discovery of osseointegration to today’s innovations. It combines scientific analyses, clinical case reports, commercial history, and personal stories.
Tomas Albrektsson said: “This anniversary is especially meaningful because it is about the patient. The new book brings together 60 years of clinical experience, scientific understanding, and personal stories that illustrate the journey of osseointegrated implants. Every step forward has been driven by the goal of restoring comfort, dignity, and function. I hope this collection encourages future generations to continue advancing care with both scientific rigour and human empathy.”
The serendipity of discovery
In his opening chapter, Albrektsson describes how Brånemark discovered osseointegration by chance. During an animal study on microcirculation, he found that a titanium screw placed in a rabbit’s bone fused so tightly that it could not be removed. Recognising its clinical potential, he developed dental implants. He later recalled that the idea was also shaped by a vivid memory of witnessing a nurse’s denture fall out due to severe bone resorption, which made secure retention impossible.
A vision that changed lives
The first patient, Gösta Larsson, received four implants from Brånemark on 23 Sep 1965 at the University of Gothenburg. They lasted for more than 40 years, until the end of his life. Brånemark later co-founded Nobelpharma, encapsulating his vision with the words: “No one should die with their teeth in a glass of water.” Since then, millions of patients have been treated, and an estimated 30 million implants are produced globally each year.
The celebration will be opened by Nobel Biocare president, Stefan Nilsson, followed by a talk and book signing with Tomas Albrektsson. A video series by Nobel Biocare, tracing the company’s heritage and the story of modern implantology, will also be presented.
Stefan Nilsson said: “This anniversary celebrates the legacy of professor Brånemark and the heritage of Nobel Biocare. His vision to make implant treatment accessible and transformative continues to guide us. We honour the millions of patients whose lives have been improved and remain focused on the future, where innovation will help clinicians deliver better outcomes and expand access to care.”
