In order to ensure an adequate space where new bone can be formed in guided
bone regeneration (GBR), most surgeons fill bone defects with biomaterials
. In this work we evaluated new bone regeneration in 10 patients using only
a blood clot protected with titanium grids and non-resorbable membranes, w
ithout any filling material. A manual measurement of the size of the bone d
efect, using a plastic probe, was performed at 2 surgical steps. After 5 mo
nths of treatment, a biopsy was taken from each patient, fixed and embedded
in PMMA, examined microradiographically and morphologically to evaluate th
e newly-formed bone. Our results showed a good repair of the defects by bon
e regeneration (about 85% overall), high mineral density of new bone around
the implants after 5 months, and steady state deposition processes. These
results in GBR, without filling material, appear very promising for implant
ology and reconstructive odontostomatology practice.